Read Across America Event

Re “A Telling Picture Gives Lie to a Thousand Education ‘Innovations,’ ” Ventura County Perspective, March 21.

As the Read Across America chairperson for Janice Somple’s English class at Westlake High School, I take great offense at this article written by Mary D. Dodd. I know firsthand how much hard work and effort was put into this program to recognize the late and great Dr. Seuss.

As a child I enjoyed being read to by my parents. There was absolutely no doubt that Dr. Seuss was my favorite author. When I grew old enough to read by myself, I enjoyed relaxing with a variety of books. Participation in the Read Across America program allowed me to revisit those childhood memories.

If the point of this program was to have me enjoy reading, remember how much fun it was and encourage me to pick up more than just a required book for a history class, then the program was successful.

ALLISON STOKKA, Moorpark

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Mary D. Dodd said that our day of honoring the birthday of the wonderful writer Dr. Seuss was the worst example of public education standards in California. We honored his birthday by sharing his and other children’s books in class, as did schools across America.

It was a wonderful way to remember how his books helped us learn to read. It felt good to have our special guests read to us. Even in high school, reading and learning about authors can be fun.

CANDICE VAN BRIGGLE, Thousand Oaks

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Read Across America Day cannot accurately reflect an average student’s entire learning process. There are 179 other school days in the year that are filled with important lessons. It is unfair to criticize the educational process after observing only one event. There is nothing wrong with taking one day to have a little fun and to take a break.

Someone as qualified and as professional as the superintendent of a school district should be able to judge whether or not a school event is acceptable.

STEPHEN MONTE, Moorpark