Tuesday, September 3, 2024–12:00 p.m.

-Rome City Schools-

A lot of clapping, children proclaiming, “I think I can,” laughter and energy permeated the facility at Tallatoona Head Start on Tuesday morning, as Rome City Schools Superintendent Dr. Eric L. Holland shared one of his favorite books with the roughly 50-plus,3 and 4-year-olds in the room.

“When I was 4 years old, this is the book my mom gave me,” Dr. Holland said. “She told me that if you think you can, you will.”

With those words, Dr. Holland launched into an energetic and emphatic telling of the classic children’s book, “The Little Engine That Could”.

For 10 minutes, the children listened and interacted with Dr. Holland, clapping when encouraged, saying and making the choo sound and pointing to themselves and others exclaiming, “I think I can.”

“It’s important to come out and read to kids to help inspire their curiosity. I love children, and I love the fact that I have a platform to help inspire them to read. I enjoy it,” Dr. Holland said, after finishing the book. “Engagement is one of the things that is very important. I don’t just show up and read the book to them. I encourage them to have a good time while I’m reading.”

After finishing, Dr. Holland took questions from the children and teachers informing the children that he wears a bow tie, because it’s his lucky charm.

“It was exciting to have Dr. Holland here reading today. I’ve invited a lot of people to read, and he was definitely one of my favorites. With this being Black History Month, I thought it was important for the students to see a positive role model other than just athletes playing sports,” Synetta Juarez, an assistant at Tallatoona Head Start said. “Seeing Dr. Holland interact with the children was a lot of fun.”

Rome City Schools is preparing to celebrate Read Across America Day on Friday.