Rochester Christian University has partnered with local schools to celebrate March is Reading Month by bringing Crimson, RCU’s new mascot, to read to students.
Throughout each visit, Crimson read a book, interacted with students and encouraged literacy.
Crimson’s first visit was to Holy Family Regional School with Michigan State Senator Michael Webber where they read to second and third grade students. After the reading, Webber and Crimson took questions from the class about working as a state senator and about Rochester Christian University. When he was growing up, Webber attended Lake Norcentra Basketball Camp, which is coordinated by Coach Garth Pleasant and family.
Senator Mike Webber and second-graders at Holy Family Regional School.
For his second visit, Crimson spent a few hours at Hampton Elementary in Rochester Hills, reading to kindergarten, second, third and fourth graders. Crimson was serenaded by Taylor Victory’s kindergarten class after his reading in appreciation for his visit to their classroom. While at Hampton, Crimson made a visit to RCU alumnus Elizabeth Peterson’s fourth grade class. Peterson has taught at Hampton Elementary since her graduation from Rochester Christian University in 2006.
RCU Alumnus, Elizabeth Peterson and Crimson at Hampton Elementary School.
Elizabeth Peterson’s fourth grade class with Crimson at Hampton Elementary School.
Crimson also visited Pine Knob Elementary in Clarkston, where he read alongside Dee Smith, RCU alumnus and RCU Board of Trustees member. Smith is a family engagement coordinator for Clarkston Community Schools and works closely with students at Pine Knob Elementary. During the visit to Pine Knob, Smith and Crimson read the children’s book “The What If’s” by Emily Kilgore. After the reading, Crimson helped third-graders check out books in the library and waved goodbye to students at the end of the school day with Tilly the Tiger, Pine Knob’s mascot.
“Students and staff are already asking when Crimson will be back,” Smith said after the visit.
Dee Smith and Crimson getting ready to read “The What-If’s” by Emily Kilgore.
Crimson and Pine Knob Elementary School student high-five at the end of the school day.
If you are interested in having Crimson visit your classroom, contact Taylor Isenberg at tisenberg1@rochesteru.edu.
