March 7, 2025 -  As Dr. Seuss said, "You can find magic, wherever you look. Sit back and relax, all you need is a book.” In Cobb, that magic came alive as guest readers recently took a seat in classrooms, near and far, to share their joy of reading one page at a time.

Read Across Cobb, the district’s local spin on Read Across America, was more than just a celebration of Dr. Seuss’s birthday—it was a district-wide commitment to fostering literacy and instilling a love of reading in students of all ages. 

Superintendent Chris Ragsdale and an impressive lineup of district leaders, board members, and community supporters took time out of their schedules to read to students, making it clear that literacy is not just a skill—it’s a pathway to success in school and beyond. 

Reading in Every Corner of Cobb 

Although many guest readers visited schools on one primary day, Read Across Cobb lasted more than a week, ensuring that students across the district had opportunities to connect with stories and storytellers alike. 

From Mableton to Marietta, East Cobb to West Cobb, and everywhere in between, schools welcomed readers who shared their favorite books and emphasized the importance of reading in everyday life. 

Superintendent Ragsdale made a special visit to read to first-grade students at Kemp Elementary School. Shortly after, Board Member Brad Wheeler pulled up a chair to read to Kemp third graders before heading to Still Elementary School and Cheatham Elementary School. He started the day at Vaughan Elementary School. 

While Mr. Wheeler was reading at Kemp, other Board members brought stories to life at King Springs Elementary School, Clay Harmony Leland Elementary School, Mt. Bethel Elementary School, and Argyle Elementary School. 

The Board members turned guest readers engaged students from every corner of the district. 

Year after year, Board Chair David Chastain captivates students with his storytelling, keeping them engaged and full of questions—this year, he continued the tradition at Bells Ferry, Chalker, and Pitner elementary schools. 

"Every time I read to our students, it brings me joy to see their eyes light up with questions. I appreciate that our teachers foster that curiosity so our students want to learn more. That is one reason our students are so successful in the classroom and long after graduation," said Board Chair David Chastain. 

Other schools on the Board’s reading tour ranged from Russell, Norton Park, and Brumby elementary schools to Compton, Sanders, Teasley, Timber Ridge, and Tritt elementary Schools. 

Guest Readers Extended Beyond School Board

Assistant Superintendents like Dr. Kevin Carpenter, Ms. Candace Wilkes, Ms. Kelly Metcalfe, and Ms. Shea Thomas spread the joy of reading at a host of schools such as Eastside, Cheatham Hill, and Pickett’s Mill elementary schools. 

Executive Cabinet members, including Dr. Jasmine Kullar, Mr. John Floresta, and Ms. Keeli Bowen, returned to their roots in the classroom, sharing their love of books with students. 

The message was clear in every school: Reading is essential. It builds vocabulary, sparks imagination, strengthens critical thinking, and opens doors to new opportunities. 

As seen in this year’s video, the joy on students’ faces was undeniable. They listened intently, laughed at funny moments, and asked questions that showed how engaged they were. 

A Community Committed to Literacy 

The event underscored Cobb Schools' commitment to literacy and the power of partnerships. And as Dr. Seuss would say, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.”

Parents, teachers, and administrators know that reading is the foundation of student success, and community involvement strengthens that foundation. That is one reason the District recently celebrated the top Cobb school volunteers.

Literacy Leaders! Cobb Schools Recognized by State Superintendent