One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish.
Rock Island Academy celebrated Read Across America Day or also known as Dr. Seuss' birthday by reading some of the author's classic children's books. For third-grade students at RIA, they got an extra treat. 13 volunteers from the community stopped by to read with them.
It's part of the United Way's "Read United" initiative to get more third-grade students reading.
Students gathered in the cafeteria for a short assembly. Out of the 13 volunteers, there were four local mayors there (East Moline, Moline, Rock Island, and Bettendorf). Each talked to the students about the importance of reading.
After the assembly, the students went back to class and broke into groups, and read some Dr. Seuss' books.
"Events like this get students more excited about learning and excited to come to school," said Rock Island Academy principal Tom Ryan.
So far, 300 volunteers have signed up to read one-on-one to students through the program.
Some of the RIMSD#41 schools that will be participating in the program include Rock Island Academy, Frances Willard Elementary School, and Ridgewood Elementary School.