Loch Lomond celebrates Seuss, animals

Snow may have delayed part of the Loch Lomond Elementary Read Across America celebration, but students thought the culminating presentation by Leesburg Animal Park was worth the wait.

Preparations for the celebration of Dr. Seuss' birthday began in early February, when Prince William Education Association president Bonnie Klakowicz and Liz Gordon, PWEA Uniserve director presented a copy of "If I Ran the Zoo" by Dr. Seuss to each classroom at Loch Lomond Elementary on Feb. 5.

Teachers read the story to their classrooms and then students participated in a schoolwide writing activity.

Student work was judged and winners were announced at a special assembly March 9.  Winners of the writing contest were awarded a blue ribbon, bookmark and a stuffed Cat in the Hat.  They also participated as student assistants with the handlers from the zoo.

On March 4, all students participated in a book swap sponsored by the school's reading department. Students exchanged up to three books from their collection for books previously owned by other students.

On March 9, in keeping with the theme of "If I Ran the Zoo," 340 students participated in an assembly featuring curators from the Leesburg Animal Park.

Once the animals appeared, the excitement was evident in the children's squirming for a better view. Students were enthralled with exotic animals like the coatmundi and servile, but especially with the large boa constrictor.

Second-grader Mehrunnisa said, "The best part was when the three kids held the snake!"

Primary students wore their Cat in the Hat hats, which they made in their library classes.  At the conclusion of the afternoon festivities, students enjoyed a treat of animal crackers.

The program was sponsored by Prince William Education Association, with assistance from the school's Parent Teacher Organization.

—Submitted by Loch Lomond Elementary School