Though "A Salute to Reading is Fundamental" officially ended November 18, State Senator Marc Pacheco visited Minot Forest Elementary School on Friday, Dec. 2 for a belated reading session with a first-grade class.

Denise Jop's students were treated to "The Lorax" by Dr. Seuss, which chronicles the plight of the environment and the Lorax, a furry Seuss creation who speaks on behalf of trees.

Pacheco (D-Taunton), who told the students he was honored to spend that time with them, said he likes to read "The Lorax" when he visits schools because he cares a lot about the environment.

"We have to protect our surroundings from ourselves," he explained to the first graders after he finished the story. He added that Dr. Seuss stories can teach morals to all readers, from first graders to 100-year-olds.

During the reading he answered questions from the students and listened to their comments, both about what was going on in the story and what they already know about sustainability, such as using both sides of sheets of paper.

Pacheco said afterward it had been a while since he had done a classroom reading, but he used to try to visit as many fourth grade classrooms throughout his district as he could. He said it's "always enjoyable" to spend time with the kids.