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At local Clark County Public Schools, it’s typical to see faculty and additional staff welcome students as they’re dropped off in the early morning. 

As of late, parents and others might have seen something quite unique and enjoyable. 

Dressed as characters from the beloved show Sesame Street, employees of CDE Sanitation – located at 35 Pendleton Street – have volunteered to welcome students outside of school in the early morning hours. 

“As we conclude Read Across America, this is a great way to bring our community partners together,” said Lindsey Campbell, Assistant Principal at Shearer Elementary School. “[It] hopefully just [gives] our students an exciting way to come to school.” 

Read Across America, which is participated in by schools throughout the country, hopes to inspire students to become more active readers. 

CDE Sanitation, which has previously partnered with Clark County Public Schools, was noticed when some of its employees dressed in character for the annual Christmas parade. 

“A couple of the teachers who saw us at the parade…asked us to come, but they didn’t know we would be dressed in costumes. They just asked us to be community partners,” said Sarah Perry, Owner of CDE Sanitation. “I called back and said, ‘Hey, we have these costumes.’…that’s how that started.” 

Many of the classic characters associated with the long-running children’s television show have been featured. 

Among them are Bert & Ernie, Big Bird, Elmo, Oscar the Grouch, and the Cookie Monster. 

Though from “The Muppets” instead, Kermit the Frog has even appeared too. 

As the world has spread, so has popularity. 

“We’ve been asked to go to the preschool, and we’ve got a couple of other [schools] we’re [going to] go to,” Perry said. “It’s a pretty positive thing for the kids.” 

Many of the students showed their appreciation and love for the characters, stopping to greet them or even give them hugs as classic songs, including “‘C’ is for Cookie,” played in the background. 

Campbell took time to reflect on the impact CDE Sanitation’s presence had. 

“It’s just another great way to build relationships with our students and welcome them,” she said. “We just appreciate CDE Sanitation partnering with us. This has been such a wonderful, wonderful morning for our [students].”