Byram's youngest students take reading oath

By Jennifer Jean Miller
BYRAM — Kindergarteners at Byram Lakes School participated in a special Read Across America program at the school's library earlier this month.

Teachers Joan Corey and Angela Gnecco, along with their teaching assistant Sharon Finan, coordinated the event, with parents, administration and the Byram Township Council in attendance.

Principal Ed Abato introduced the class, indicating that the program "really shows the hard work our students have put into learning to read."

Prior to the program, Byram Township Mayor Jim Oscovitch introduced members of the council who attended the event with him. Township manager Joseph Sabatini, township clerk Doris Flynn, deputy mayor David Gray, councilman Scott Olson and councilwoman Nisha Kash, occupied the room's front row.

Oscovitch talked to the children about the benefits of reading and how it helps with everything they will do in life, including future work.

When he asked the children what reading means to them, one of the responses was, "I like reading because it makes my brain feel so better."

"One of the things I like about reading," Oscovitch told them, "is it takes you to places you could only imagine."

One of his favorite subjects he said he likes reading about is Abraham Lincoln. He told the children one of his favorite books is the Dr. Seuss classic, Fox in Socks. To give proof of his admiration of the book, Oscovitch showed the kids a pair of fuzzy striped socks that he donned for the occasion.

Oscovitch then administered a reading oath to the children, where they each had to raise a hand and promise to "read each day and night, I know it's the key to growing up right."

Each child then had an opportunity to read for the audience.

At the conclusion of the presentation, Abato presented the council with "Respect Rocks," special rocks which have been prominently displayed throughout the school and will be placed in designated spots throughout town. Sunnyside Farms donated the rocks, which the children decorated.

On March 9, members of the council announced the proclamation celebrating Read Across America.

Read Across America is celebrated each year on Dr. Seuss' birthday on March 2, and is referred to as National Read Across America Day or Dr. Seuss Day. Games, activities and book readings are focused on the Dr. Seuss theme that day in schools nationwide.