If the students meet their goal, principal Kyle Freeman will spend a day on the roof of the school. Apparently that’s powerful motivation for elementary school kids.

“Orcas Island Elementary has been reading like crazy this February!” said reading specialist Susan Stolmeier. Each class set their own reading goal for the month, and the kids have been flipping pages with great enthusiasm. And if they meet their goals, Freeman’s on the rooftop.

The reading contest celebrates the National Education Association’s 2nd annual Read Across America event, culminating on March 2, the birthday of beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss. A special assembly will host community readers and a reader’s theater put on by the teachers.

“You’re never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read to a child,” wrote Dr. Seuss. He was a rollicking rhymer, a wild and silly yarn-spinner, and years after his death he is still inspiring children everywhere to read.

“Join the celebration by taking time to read to a child that day,” said Stolmeier. “Modeling reading is one of the best ways to encourage reading.”