We are very proud of our school division here in Charlotte County, a system that is known for being an outstanding place where children go and indeed learn, effectively. A reputation like this is formed through teachers and administrators doing an excellent job — and not just occasionally. It is formed through consistent excellence.
With that in mind, we find it wholly appropriate to highlight a recent example of Charlotte County Public Schools making a great decision that set up children in the county for an outstanding educational opportunity. The division took the county’s second-graders to Hampden-Sydney College (H-SC) for Dr. Seuss Day on Feb. 27.
As we reported last week, the event encourages the children in attendance to become lifelong readers. It has existed for about 20 years, but it started as an event in which college officials went to Prince Edward County schools and delivered books.
Lesley Stimpert, the wife of H-SC President Dr. Larry Stimpert, brought about a major change to the execution of Dr. Seuss Day, and this is now the third year it has been held at Hampden-Sydney. It is open to far more than just Prince Edward students now, also welcoming second-graders from Appomattox, Amelia, Buckingham, Cumberland, Lunenburg, Nottoway and Charlotte.
“Just like the other years, it’s really important for us to get books into the kids’ hands and (for them) to select their own,” Stimpert said. “Being a children’s librarian, kids come on into a library and they have these seas of books to choose from, and it’s important that they get the right book for them, something that they want.”
We applaud Stimpert’s emphasis and generosity to make sure each child gets to take home a book of their very own.
Charlotte County second-graders received that gift and, through it, possibly the key to unlocking a lifelong love for reading. This love will facilitate the learning process for them for the rest of their lives.
We commend Charlotte County Public Schools for putting these young students in a position to succeed yet again.