This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.
(Written by Gennah Penalosa)
Reading is an essential part of education - not only does it enhance a student’s intellect, but it also stands as an activity of leisure for many.
At Twin Peaks Charter Academy, classical education is widely upheld in order to bring the best out of every student’s academic learning. At the elementary grade level, grammar is acknowledged as the most important aspect of classical education, and that is why literacy is something that the school values among every elementary student.
On February 8, Twin Peaks hosted their second annual Family Literacy Night for its K-5 community. It was an event that invited families to encourage their children to read more books and enjoy the enterprise of reading. It is a precursor to the school’s 1,000 Page Reading Challenge. Having begun on February 12, this event encourages students to read up to 1,000 pages (an equivalent of thirty picture books or five chapter books) until the end date, which is March 9.
First, we enter the Commons, where the Scholastic Book Fair was held. Standing near the book fair was Fang, the school’s mascot, who would greet students as they passed by. Students and parents had the chance to sit down and learn interesting facts about books in the book trivia, and to watch videos of their teachers talking about certain books on screen.
Not to mention, even more fun was packed in the Commons with a sing along, where students got to jam out with a musician as she warmly strummed her acoustic guitar. There was also a photo booth, where Heather Rawlins, a third grade teacher at Twin Peaks, had the opportunity to capture memories for the friends and families who attended the event.
“Of course, we love it. We hope everybody comes here, has a great time, goes home and reads a lot for our reading challenge,” says Rawlins.
Next, we make an entrance into the cafeteria, where there is a snack bar and a book walk, which similar to a cake walk, but with books instead of cakes.
Students were also given the chance to settle down in a few classrooms and listen as their teachers and other people told them stories.
Lynda Pietruszka, a second grade teacher who volunteered to help patrol one of the classrooms, gave her insight on the event: “So far, it’s wonderful. It’s just any way we can promote literacy in the community, and the community kids are invited along with all of our students here at our school, and it’s also a great night to get families connected and figuring out ways that they can promote literacy at home, too.”
In the art room, a game was being held to incorporate the Six Pillars of Character, which invited students to sit down and discuss each character pillar with their teachers and parents.
As she greeted families at the entrance of the event, the the principal of the Twin Peaks elementary school, Amber Coniff, expressed her enjoyment for the Literacy Night: “I love it. We’re really excited to promote reading with families. We get to offer kids not only books they can purchase, but we also have storytellers and reading stories for great family fun.”
Themed “Paws for Reading”, the literacy night at Twin Peaks Charter Academy aimed to provoke a sense of academic motivation for every student as it accentuated the power of reading, not only by themselves, but also with the company of family. Big dreams can come a long way, but through hard work and inspiration, one may achieve great things. Every young student holds the potential to reach for the stars, and it can all begin with something as simple as reading a book.
