Folger McKinsey Elementary School News

By Chris Myers, Folger parent

As the saying goes, March comes in like a lion and that is certainly the case at Folger McKinsey Elementary where the first week of the month featured events that showcased a strong, capable and proud school community.

In honor of Dr. Suess’s birthday, the school joined the nation in celebrating Read Across America Day.  As part of the school tradition, guest readers were welcomed into each classroom. 

They shared favorite stories with the students to promote the importance and the joy of reading.  Local celebrities appeared throughout the day to read a book or two to all the excited classes, in grades K through 5.

Barbara Gosnell, beloved former media specialist at Folger McKinsey, was one of the guest readers.  Staff and students eagerly await her arrival on this day each year, knowing that they are in for a treat as Mrs. Gosnell always dons a costume and reads with such enthusiasm that the students become a part of the story. 

Jeff Franklin, owner of Franklin’s Toys, is well known and loved by the kids throughout town because of his inviting store and he brings that same magic to Folger, where he has been part of the Read Across America tradition for many years.  

Guest Readers included Dr. Michelle DeCere  of the Pediatric Dentistry group;  Louie, the Baysox mascot; the owner of Menchies Frozen Yogurt also brought her store’s mascot – a frozen yogurt cone who did not let the low door frames throughout the school dampen enthusiasm for good stories; members of national champions Chesapeake Bayhawks lacrosse team – Scott Combs and Spencer Ford; Lauren Lizewski, a Folger alum who is now part of SPHS Rock & Roll Revival; Anastasia Herne and Emily Sergo, the directors of Folger’s production of Willy Wonka, Jr. used their dramatic talents to entertain the classes; and Michael Hilliard, local author, who in addition to reading his children’s book, Butter Bee (Almost) Grows Up Too Fast, taught a second grade class the art of writing a good book and together, they wrote a book that the class plans to illustrate together.

 Many Folger parents also entertained classes as guest readers.  These parents have careers that the Folger students find particularly interesting.  Scott and Jennifer Macallair, a police officer and firefighter, respectively, came in full uniform to inspire the children. 

Kevin Laughlin, in his Army fatigues, and CDR Tom Kubista in his Navy unform, garnered respect and stirred patriotism from their student listeners. 

Dr. Alix Bray, a local veterinarian, and Jen Haber, adoption coordinator for Maryland Animal Sanctuary and Rescue, enthused many of the animal-loving students in the crowd with their stories. 

 The festivities began with a mystery guest reader as a special Folger “Suess-like” poem was read over the morning announcements.  Students were invited to guess who the reader was. 

The answers provided some of the most delightful moments of the day, as many of the young students guessed that the mystery guess was Dr. Suess himself!  Other popular answers included "Thing 1 and Thing 2," "The Cat in the Hat" and other memorable Suess characters. 

One student submitted the following answer, “The great, great, great granddaughter of Dr. Suess!” 

Mrs. Bush, a proponent of reading in our country, was also an answer.  Four students (one from each grades 1, 2, 3 and 5) guessed correctly:  Folger’s wonderful office staff member, Mrs. Bishop.  The students were awarded with prizes including books, stickers and gift certificates from Menchie’s and the Donut Shack, thanks to the kind donations of these local businesses.

Local “celebrities” served as guest readers in each classroom Folger students made it a day of service with a “green” component by collecting gently used books and donating them to local programs to help children with  reading  (“re-using/recycling” their books by giving to children in need)

 Guest Readers included:

Dr. Michelle Decere – Pediatric dentist

 Lou DiMenna –Retired Folger physical education teacher

 Jeff Franklin – Owner of  Franklin’s Toys

 Andrew “Bugs” Combs –Folger parent and Bayhawks lacosse player (just retired)

 Spencer Ford – Manager, Chesapeake Bayhawks Lacrosse team

"Louie” – Baysox mascot

Jennifer Macallair – Folger parent and firefighter

Scott Macallair – Folger parent and police officer

Kevin Laughlin – Folger parent and US Army officer

Dr. Todd Fare – Folger parent and chiropractor

Lauren Lizewski – Folger alumni (current Folger sibling) and SPHS Rock & Roll    

Revival performer

Michael Hilliard – Local author

Dr. Alix Bray – Folger parent and veterinarian

Menchies Frozen Yogurt – Owner and mascot

Barbara Gosnell – Retired Folger Media Specialist

Anastasia Herne – Director, Folger Drama Club’s production of Willy Wonka, Jr.

Emily Sergo – Music director, Folger Drama Club’s production Willy Wonka, Jr.

Jennifer Haber – Folger parent and Maryland Animal Sanctuary

CDR Tom Kubista – Folger parent and U.S. Navy

Vicky Zwainz – Folger Assistant Principal

For more information, contact Chris Myers   myerschris@yahoo.com   410-421-9009.