5 hours Ago By Timothy Stuckey
Elysian Fields Elementary is set to host “A Storybook Christmas” Literacy Night on Dec. 5, blending holiday cheer with educational engagement for students and their families. The event, designed to promote literacy and family involvement, will include a Grinch-themed play, hands-on literacy activities, festive crafts and photos with Santa Claus.
“We’ve been planning this event since August,” said Principal Kelly Cordray. “Our goal is to provide a fun and educational experience for families while highlighting the important literacy work we do in the classroom.” The evening begins at 5 p.
m. with a Title III meeting for parents of English learners. Families will receive information on Imagine Learning, a program that supports children in learning to read English with native language assistance.
At 5:30 p.m., students from fifth grade, kindergarten and Pre-K will perform “Grinchmas,” a festive play led by Elysian Fields’ art and music teacher Lauren Rinaudo.
“Our fifth-graders have taken on the main roles, with kindergarten and pre-K students contributing as supporting cast members,” Cordray said, “The performance is a wonderful way to showcase their talents and celebrate the season.” Following the play, families will move to classrooms for grade-specific literacy activities. Kindergarten teachers will guide parents in creating word bracelets to help children practice phonics, while first-grade sessions will focus on the science of teaching reading using decodable readers.
Second-graders will participate in a syllable scavenger hunt, and third- through fifth-graders will explore comprehension strategies using the RACES method. “These activities are designed to equip parents with tools to support their children’s learning at home,” Cordray said, “By demonstrating classroom techniques, we hope to strengthen the connection between school and family learning.” The event will also include flashlight reading sessions with Christmas storybooks, festive crafts, and opportunities to capture holiday memories with Santa.
Cordray emphasized the importance of family involvement, noting that parents will also have the chance to provide feedback on the event through surveys. “As a Title I campus, we are committed to creating engaging opportunities like this for families,” she said, “We want to ensure parents feel welcome and supported while gaining insights into their children’s education.” Cordray added that events like Literacy Night are integral to fostering a collaborative learning environment, “When families and schools come together, it enhances student success in powerful ways,” she said.
Elysian Fields Elementary plans to share photos from the event for families unable to attend. For more information, families are encouraged to contact the school directly..
