Pupils celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday in Rapides Parish schools

The Cat in the Hat, portrayed by paraprofessional Beth Westgate, talks with 4-year-old Austyn Kelch, who was a little timid. Westgate read the Dr. Seuss classic to Austyn’s class Wednesday at Peabody Montessori Elementary School in Alexandria.

A few giggles punctuated the quiet as Peabody Montessori Elementary School pupils watched a Dr. Seuss story on television.But that tranquility ended when the Cat in the Hat strolled into the gym."I'm happy to be here with you. What a lovely group we have," the famous cat told the pupils after their loud cheers and applause.The Cat in the Hat, who actually was Beth Westgate, a parent and an instructional aide at the school, came to visit and read to the children Wednesday. The Peabody pupils joined millions of people across the nation in celebrating the author's 107th birthday.Other Rapides Parish schools, including Julius Patrick Elementary and Buckeye Elementary, are holding Seuss activities this week to pay tribute to the American author who has inspired and entertained generations through his books and stories.Seuss, whose real name was Theodor Seuss Geisel, authored more than 40 children's books full of colorful characters, witty rhymes and meaningful messages. His birthday also coincides with the National Read Across America Day.Peabody first- and second-grade teacher Deborah Johnson recalled reading Seuss stories in her childhood."His books are timeless. They will always promote literature," said Johnson, who named "The Cat in the Hat" as her favorite as a child."When I became a teacher, I made it a point to read Dr.Seuss," she said. "They (pupils) enjoy it, and the more you enjoy reading, the more you are going to read and the better reader you'll become."Seuss is unique "because of his contributions to literature" and the way his books capture children's imaginations, said Patricia Messer, assistant principal at Julius Patrick Elementary.At Buckeye Elementary, a week-long celebration featured readings, a conservation day and Cat in the Hat Day, in which pupils dressed in costumes. Buckeye also planned a visit from the B.A.R.K. Animal Shelter on Friday to teach pupils how to care for cats.Buckeye teacher Tiffany Trotter said that beyond their literary richness, Seuss' stories offer teachers a way to integrate meaningful subjects into the curriculum. For instance, the school combined lessons from "The Lorax," which focuses on pollution and the environment, with the planting of a Buckeye tree."It's really interesting that his stories are enjoyable and also meaningful," Trotter said.