And to think that I saw it on Merilind Street!

Irving Primary School principal Nancy Romano didn’t bat an eye last week when police detectives, fire department officials and a state trooper took seats in classrooms throughout her school.

She didn’t wince to see students – and staff! – strolling the hallways in pajamas and slippers. And she didn’t interfere when an 8-foot tall cat entered the building and riled up the entire student body.

While many schools across the nation celebrated “Read Across America” on Wednesday, March 2nd, Irving School didn’t stop with just one day. Romano and staff hosted events throughout the week to promote a love of reading.

Monday kicked off a week-long book fair at Irving. Books filled the school’s Media Center, sprawled across every table, shelf and available space.

To guarantee that every student went home with a book regardless of ability to pay, the Irving PTO gathered new and gently-used books through their Operation Bookworm collection.

On Wednesday, in celebration of Dr. Seuss’ birthday, volunteers gathered on the reading carpets of each Irving classroom to read a story to students. Board of Education president Wendy Saiff joined other community leaders -- including H.P. police and fire personnel, Main Street Highland Park director James McCrone, and the publisher of a prominent local newspaper [THE prominent local newspaper! - Ed.] in reciting some of Dr. Seuss’ most famous lines to the students in preschool, kindergarten, and first grade.

And because nothing goes better with a good book than some cozy, warm pajamas, Principal Romano also declared Wednesday to be Pajama Day. Students and staff, alike, joined in the fun of showing off their favorite flannels and slippers.

The week ended with additional surprises for students. State Trooper Ed Colleton, nephew of Irving paraprofessional Gina Colleton-Bridges, returned for his third year in a row to visit classes and read stories.

In addition, squeals and shouts followed Principal Romano’s reading of The Cat in the Hat, when the cat, himself, made an appearance. The towering cat offered high-fives and delivered a message to the eager students, one that summed up the excitement of the entire week.

“I have three magic words for you: Read. Read. Read!”