Promoting literacy and science
/More than 400 attend Peterson Elementary School’s annual Family Literacy Night
Peterson Elementary School fourth-grader Mikayla-Rose Mitchell picks out a free book to take home during the school’s annual Family Literacy Night. (Image: Jennifer Hawkins)
Fourth-grader Mikayla-Rose Mitchell smiled as she picked up a new Junie B. Jones book, debating whether it would be the one she takes home for her personal library.
She was joined by hundreds of her classmates Thursday during Peterson Elementary School’s Family Literacy Night. After doing science and literacy activities with their families, students and their younger siblings crowded around tables full of new books – each child could pick one to take home and keep.
The annual two-hour event this year attracted more than 400 people and the school gave away 250 books.
“It’s a night to bring all our families in,” said Renee Criss, vice principal at Peterson Elementary School. “The kids get a free book, and they get to do activities that promote literacy and science.”
Activities included science projects organized by Mazama High School’s STEM&M students, CPR, creative ‘monster-making’ art, the making and flying of paper airplanes, reading and painting. The school also provided dinner.
Teacher Cassie Beard organized the event this year. The school started Family Literacy Night several years ago and each year it has been attracting an increasing number of families.
Peterson Elementary School, with 650 students, is the largest K-6 school in the Klamath County School District.