Members of the student body gathered in the school's library, where they were joined by Bedford Central School District staff members, school board members and Bedford town officials. In keeping with the Dr. Seuss theme, several of the adults wore the iconic candy cane-patterned headwear from "The Cat in the Hat."
Several of the adult guests posed for photos with the children before splitting up. From there, kids gathered into classrooms and sat for readings from guests.
Zbynek Gold, who is Bedford Hills Elementary's principal, explained the history of his school's tradition, linking to it encouragement of reading.
“Well, it started many years ago and it’s just a way of getting the kids excited about reading," he said.
The event is held in the first week of March and is the same week as Dr. Seuss' birthday, according to Gold. The author, whose legal name was Theodor Seuss Geisel, was born in 1904 and lived until 1991, according to the Dr. Seuss National Memorial.
The Dr. Seuss event is one of several reading events that the school holds, Gold recalled. Others include hosting a dunking tank after summer reading.
Gold also explained that because Dr. Seuss is a favorite, it is easy to motivate the kids to read. Each grade has a different book, Gold explained.
The Dr. Seuss reading events have also included recently retired teachers, as well as staff from Fox Lane Middle School, according to Gold. Middle school staff come and read to fifth graders, he explained.
Kathy Storfer, who was one of the storytelling guests, read "Put Me In the Zoo," which is by Robert Lopshire. Although the work was not directly from Dr. Seuss, Storfer explained that is part of a book series from Random House that he was involved with.
Storfer was visibly animated in her storytelling, going in and out of a deep acting voice for the kids.
"Words are wonderful," she said, before adding a caveat about communicating responsibly.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Pound Ridge and receive free news updates.