A former chancellor of the University of Texas System and more than a dozen community and business leaders will celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday by reading his books to children at the University of Texas Elementary School in east Austin on Thursday, March 11, from 1:30 to 3 p.m.
Wearing a tall Dr. Seuss hat, guest readers will read from books that were donated by the University Co-op for each classroom. School Principal Melissa Chavez said the Seventh Annual Book Fair and Dr. Seuss Birthday Celebration is important because it gives students an opportunity to feel connected to The University of Texas at Austin.
“Our students love being part of UT,” Chavez said. “When our UT and community leaders come to the school they become real role models for our students. When people take the time to be with our children it shows the students that education matters, leading matters, and most important, they matter.”
UT Elementary supporters who will read to the students include Dr. Gregory J. Vincent, vice president for diversity and community engagement at UT Austin; Dan Burck, former UT System chancellor; UT alumni and donors Mickey and Jeanne Klein; and University Federal Credit Union representatives, Erica Coker and Rhonda Summerbell. Also representatives from the West Austin Youth Association and the University Co-op will participate.
“The Dr. Seuss celebration is just one example of what makes UT Elementary exemplary,” Dr. Vincent said. “Students benefit from the support and involvement of the UT community and the greater Austin community.”
The UT Elementary School, which opened in 2003, became part of the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement’s jurisdiction in September 2009.
Dr. Ramona Treviño, founding principal and CEO, said the elementary school is an integral part of the University of Texas System’s initiative to improve public education in Texas. The school serves 256 pre-kindergarten to fifth graders, and is at 2200 E. 6th Street.
