West Carroll Primary School News

 

Family Reading Night at WCPS

West Carroll Primary School in Savanna, Illinois held a Family Reading Night on Thursday, January 19th. The event was provided to give families an opportunity to read in a variety of settings and show families that there are more opportunities to read in our everyday lives than just homework and bedtime stories. The event was organized by a committee of teachers and had a variety of stations for students and their families to attend. The gymnasium was set up as a campground, complete with tents, trees, camping chairs around an indoor campfire, white twinkle lights and night time campground noises. While in the “Under the Stars Campground Experience”, families could snuggle up in a tent, on a hammock or around the fire and read to each other. Flashlights and books were provided for those that weren’t able to bring their own. A “Technology Station” was set up in a computer lab to show families a variety of new technology available to help students develop reading, such as Kindles, IPads, Tag Pens, websites and  more. The “Therapy Dogs Station” was popular among the families. The dogs came with their owners from Therapy Dogs International (TDI). Students were able to read a story to the dogs and the dogs really enjoyed hearing the students read to them! A Slumber Party was held in the “Slumber Party Room” where popcorn was provided and students were read to by High School Athletes and Musicians on sleeping bags and blankets spread throughout the room. A “Craft Hut” provided an opportunity for students to make a bookmark for future reading at home and school. The Library turned into an open mic “Poetry Café” where students enjoyed reading a variety of poems over the microphone and received a peace sign necklace for their efforts! A “Book Swap” was held that provided an opportunity for students to bring their used books and exchange them for other gently used books. Enough books were on hand so every student in attendance was able to take a book home even if they didn’t bring any to swap. Many families finished the evening off in the “Snack Shack” where students and their families made “Ants on a Log” or “Indoor S’mores”, enjoyed a juice and then read bug related books while they ate. The Savanna and Mt. Carroll Libraries also had representatives on hand to provide families with information about their libraries and the programs they provide. Rocky the Writing Raccoon made an appearance, too!  The families and staff deemed the event a tremendously, HUGE success! Approximately 135 Kindergarten through fifth grade students and their families attended…which in total were about 325 people in attendance! Everyone enjoyed themselves and are looking forward to the next Family Reading Night that will be planned sometime in the 2012-2013 school year. The committee would like to thank all the families who donated items or helped in some way with the event, all the staff that pulled together to help out in any way, The West Carroll Education Foundation for the grant for items needed and decorations, and to Pamida for their generous donation.

Author Visits West Carroll

Award winning author, Jennifer Richard Jacobson, will be making her way to the Midwest to inspire West Carroll Primary and Middle School students the week of November 14. Coming from Maine, Jacobson has written several books, ranging from children’s picture books to professional books for teachers and parents. Some of her books for school age readers include the Andy Shane series, the Winnie series, and Small as an Elephant. During the school day, she will be talking with the kindergarten through eighth grade students about experiences as writers and developing characters in their own stories. Jacobson will also help WCPS celebrate 2nd graders as authors with a special display of books they have written this fall. These books will be showcased in the WCPS cafeteria from 5:00 – 6:00 on Tuesday, November 15. At 6:00 that evening Jennifer Richard Jacobson will have a special presentation open to parents, students, and the public when she will share about her love of writing. This special author’s visit is made possible through a grant from the Illinois Reading Council, the Inspiring Authors Book Fair, West Carroll Education Foundation, & the West Carroll PTO.

 

Writing with Rocky

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