While this partnership may seem odd on the surface, it actually makes sweet sense. The San Diego History Center and Rita's Italian Ice will encourage San Diego elementary students to read with a year-long partnership.
“We are very excited to partner with the San Diego History Center to promote childhood literacy and are thrilled that we have the ability to support Dr. Seuss’ passion for reading with our Read with Rita’s program,” says Kurt Kuyper, Rita’s San Diego managing director.
Read with Rita’s is a comprehensive reading incentive program that encourages and energizes students to read more! Students commit to reading and logging a certain amount of hours (or books), and Rita’s provides coupons for a free kids' size Italian ice, valid at participating Rita’s locations in San Diego, as their reward upon completion.
One of the "Ingenious! The World of Dr. Seuss" exhibit crafting areas — Photo courtesy of San Diego History Center
A three-week campaign from Monday, March 2, through Friday, March 20, 2015, will kick off with a Read with Rita's marathon. Teachers will be provided with special logs and bookmarks to chart student progress.
Every K-5 student who reads for a minimum of four hours during the marathon will receive a free kids' size Rita's Ice certificate. If the entire class meets the four-hour goal, they'll be entered to win a class field trip to the San Diego History Center. Thirty-eight classes will be selected at random for the field trips, and the winners will be announced on April 1.
The partnership continues throughout the year with special promotions that will be tied to Balboa Park's centennial celebrations. And, if you're wondering how the San Diego History Center is tied to literacy, it's because they're currently hosting the interactive and very family-friendly Ingenious! The World of Dr. Seuss exhibit through January 2016.
Kids will enjoy the crafts and other hands-on activities that focus on the various themes portrayed in several of Dr. Seuss’ most-loved books, as well as Theodor Geisel’s (Dr. Seuss’) Secret Art! A reading area features favorite Dr. Seuss books that are a hoot for all ages to thumb through.
Theodor Geisel is one of La Jolla's most celebrated residents. He worked from his home office until he died. He certainly is a big part of our local history as a philanthropist and advocate for the sunny seaside community.
Rita’s will be giving away 1,500 exhibit tickets and 3,000 Dr. Seuss books to be given away at the San Diego History Center. Stay tuned for more events.