The Richardson Independent School District, in conjunction with the Richardson Public library, took its first steps toward realizing both Governor Bush’s and the district’s reading initiative during Richardson Reads, a week-long program for elementary school children.

The program began at the start of National Children’s Book Week. The kickoff festivities included appearances by children’s entertainer Eddie Coker, western dance group Berkner Ramblers, Richardson Mayor Gary Slagel and Carolyn Bukhair, the Richardson ISD superintendent.

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The week following included an array of activities at each school, including “Pop a Top and Read,” where the children were allowed to drink Cokes in the library while reading, “Read With a Buddy,” “Rock Around the Clock Family Read-a-thon,” and a “Pajama Read-In.”

The week also featured guest readers at all the schools in the district, among whom were Texas First Lady Laura Bush, school board members, members of the Superintendent’s Council and other school administrators.

Thelma Gay, RISD director of library media services and the event’s co-chair, says Richardson Reads reached its goals.

“We were able to have a lot of fun while encouraging kids and families to read,” she says, adding, “This is an important initiative, and we’re glad it was a success.”

Dr. Seuss’s famous fictional character The Cat in the Hat played a leading role in the week as children celebrated his birthday in conjunction with other activities. Barnes and Noble representative Debbie Armstrong contributed to the celebration by dressing up as The Cat in the Hat and having story time at the schools and the bookstore.

Another highlight came when Laura Bush spoke to an audience of school and city officials and corporate leaders in the community.

“Laura spoke about the importance of reading with families, which really supported her husband’s initiative,” says Terry Green, RISD director of K-12 language arts.

Richardson Reads will be an annual event.