Did you know that books could really come to life? Well they did at School No. 5. It was a sunny, spring evening that brought out a total of 245 community members inclusive of students, parents, and local dignitaries.
School 5 prides itself on being a community of learners with families being an integral part. In an effort to involve families in the learning community School 5 teachers applied for a grant through their local union. The event was coordinated by Reina Irizarry-Clark, Literacy Coach, Kimberly Hughes, Title One Teacher, Nancy Koblarz, Kindergarten Teacher who worked with the Linden Education Association president Russell Marchica and the School 5 NJEA Priority School representative Julia Mahoney to obtain a FAST grant (Families and Schools Together). The grant provided the funding to cover the entire cost of this event. As data was gathered to determine student needs it was noted that students lacked exposure of varied genres. In an effort to increase parent involvement, as well as instill a love of reading, the idea to bring books of varied genres to life seemed like a perfect choice.
As the participants entered the event, they received an LEA/FAST tote bag and were met by a tour guide. Parents and students were in for a treat as the School 5 staff transformed the school into a living book museum of various story genres including poetry, mystery, non-fiction and fantasy. The families began their guided tour at the “All Star Readers CafО” where they enjoyed dinner and received a collection of books of varied genres to enhance their at home libraries.
The tour continued into the school’s gymnasium where participants learned all about poetry through rhythm and rhyme. DJ Dave led them through a series of line dances to foster listening comprehension.
The fun and learning continued into the school courtyard, where an interactive mystery unfolded. Parents and students alike helped the teachers solve “The Case of the Missing Gradebook”.
After a stop in the “Sleuth Photo Booth” families walked through an aquarium tunnel where they exited to the non-fiction station where they met fellow Linden art teacher and author, Mark Kohut. Mr. Kohut read and shared the makings of his book “Red, Yellow, Blue, Black, Gray, and White”. Lucky student winners walked away with an autographed copy of Mr. Kohut’s book.
Finally, the tour entered the genre of fantasy where they met a story telling princess, Morgan La Fey from the “Magic Tree House” series and the crime fighting superhero Batman. Here families learned about character traits, elements of a fairytale, and made superhero masks. The fun concluded with families exiting through the bat cave.
We would be remiss not to mention the families of School No. 5, dedicated teachers and staff members of the School 5 faculty as well as the support from building Principal Michelle Rodriguez, who helped make this event possible. Families and students beamed as they exited the event, with new books in hand and an ignited passion for reading!
(above) NJEA Priority School Consultant, Julia Mahoney, speaks with Dawn Beviano and Theresa Villani members of Linden Board of Education and parents regarding reading strategies and they received a FAST tote filled with books of various genres for their children.
(above) Linden Public Schools art teacher and author, Mark Kohut discusses his inspiration in writing his children’s book, “Red, Yellow, Blue, Black, Gray & White” during their tour of “Books Come Alive at School #5”.
Photo by Linden School No. 5
