News release Public Information Office  SLU 10880   Hammond, LA 70402   phone: 985-549-2341   fax: 985-549-2061 publicinfo@selu.edu Spring 2004 news releases Public Information home News archive Contact: Angey Murray Date: 3/1/05   SOUTHEASTERN CELEBRATES AMERICA READS WEEK MARCH 2 & 4       HAMMOND -- The Southeastern Louisiana University Office of Admissions and Financial Aid will host activities March 2 and 4 designed to highlight the National Education Association’s Read Across America program and teach about cultural diversity with “Where It’s Hat.”      Activities scheduled for area children include story readings and parties, featuring appearances by the “Cat-in-the-Hat,” children’s author Dr. Seuss's famous fictional character.      America Reads Week kicks off at Southeastern Head Start on Wednesday, March 2 – Read Across America Day and Dr. Seuss’s birthday – with readings of a variety of Dr. Seuss stories.       On Friday, March 4, a party for all area children will be held at the Hammond branch of the Tangipahoa Parish Public Library at 3:30 p.m. in honor of  Seuss’s 101st birthday. Parents are encouraged to accompany their children for an afternoon of family fun. In addition to guest readers and a visit by the Cat-in-the-Hat, parents and children will enjoy refreshments and have the opportunity to participate in a raffle for prizes.       Now in it’s eighth year, NEA’s Read Across America program has become the nation’s largest celebration of reading and focuses attention on the importance of motivating and helping children to read and master crucial skills.      For more information, contact Financial Aid at 1-800-222-SELU or 985-549-2244.