Kindergarten students in Paterson welcomed a special guest to celebrate Read Across America Week.

New Jersey Secretary of State Tahesha Way helped the students to get excited about reading. She visited School 21 on Tuesday.

Read Across America is a nationwide program that helps get children excited about reading. Read Across America Day is celebrated on the birthday of renowned children’s author Dr. Seuss.

"It's also important that we come out and read to the children. Reading is so important. It's the foundation of everything we do. All of our teaching and learning. If you can't read, you can't do any other subjects,” says Paterson Schools Superintendent Eileen Shafer.

Members of the Board of Education and parents will read to students on Wednesday for Read Across America Day.