Thursday night students and their parents attended an event in recognition of Dr. Seuss’s birthday at the Grace United Methodist Church in Downtown Zanesville.

Heather Conkle, Education Manager for Muskingum County Head Start said the event had a great turnout, offering dinner, activities and the chance to meet The Cat in the Hat, all of which is centered around education that is occurring in the classroom.

“Tonight everyone seems really happy,” Conkle noted as she discussed the success of the event.

Over 100 children attended this year’s event, which was co-staffed by Zane State College students in the college’s early childhood education program.

According to Conkle, the event is designed around activities that focus on the student’s readiness goals such as identifying rhyming pairs and developing fine motor skills. The team also paired up with staff from the Ohio State Extension Office’s SNAP program to educate parents and students on nutrition while providing them with dinner and dessert.

The event also featured a table by the Muskingum County Literacy Council, where students would receive a free book, and children had the chance to participate in a dancing activity to burn off some extra energy.

“Face painting is probably their favorite every year,” Conkle mentioned as the room full of kids with drawn on whiskers traversed the room.

Muskingum County’s Head Start program is currently enrolling students and has positions open for employment.

Those interested in enrolling their kids should contact the office by calling: 740-454-6251 or visit head start’s main office located at 1580 Adams Lane, Zanesville.

Head Start is a free of cost program for eligible children ages 2-5. Students are provided with breakfast, lunch and a snack during the school day. School supplies are also provided to students.