Students in grades four through sixth read independently in the junior high gym. [Photos by Kendall Vincent of the Kewanee Voice Student Journalism Program]

***Kendall Vincent is a participant of The Kewanee Voice Student Journalism Program, funded by the Harry Anderson Memorial Trust.

Wethersfield Elementary School recently held a Literacy Night, with the goal of encouraging students to immerse themselves in the joy of reading. 

Lisa Hand, first grade teacher, reads to students during Literacy Night at WES.

The event featured several teachers who read engaging and entertaining stories to students in grades preschool through third, while students in grades four through six participated in independent reading sessions held in the junior high gym.

Erin Wyffels, third grade teacher, reads Chicks Run Wild to students.

The younger students gathered in classrooms to hear their teachers bring stories to life. Each student had the opportunity to pick four different stories to listen to throughout the evening, allowing them to explore a variety of books and engage with multiple teachers.

Sarah Gomez, special education teacher, reads Andrew’s Loose Tooth.

Preschool teacher Cortni Rumbold captivated her audience with a reading of I’m Not Scared, You’re Scared. Kindergarten teachers Shelley Gomez and Kyria Eastman delighted students with The Day in the Life of a Piece of Bubble Gum and I Really Want That Cake, offering a mix of humor and curiosity.

Tara Woller, second grade teacher, reads Jamie O’Rourke & the Big Potato.

First-grade teachers Leticia Martinez and Lisa Hand read Which Pet Should I Get? and Donuts, the Hole Story, engaging their students with fun and thought-provoking tales. Second-grade teacher Tara Woller shared Jamie O’Rourke & the Big Potato, while third-grade teacher Erin Wyffels had her students laughing along with Chicks Run Wild.

Cortni Rumbold, preschool, entertained the students with “I’m Not Scared, You’re Scared.”

Title 1 teacher Laura Evans read Too Much Glue, a story that sparked creativity and imagination among the listeners. Special education teacher Sarah Gomez rounded out the evening with a reading of Andrew’s Loose Tooth, entertaining students with a relatable and amusing tale.

Leticia Martinez, first grade teacher, read “What Pet Should I Get?”

Adding to the fun, students were encouraged to wear their pajamas to the event, making for a cozy and relaxed reading experience. Many teachers also passed out goodies to the students who came to listen, adding an extra layer of excitement and engagement to the night.

Kyria Eastman, kindergarten, read “A Day in the Life of a Piece of Bubblegum.”

For students in grades four through six, the Literacy Night took on a different form. These older students were encouraged to read independently in the junior high gym, fostering a sense of self-guided learning and a deeper appreciation for literature.

Teacher Shelly Gomez, kindergarten, reads to students at the Literacy Night.

The event was a resounding success, with students leaving inspired by the magic of books and storytelling.

Wethersfield Elementary’s Literacy Night not only promoted the importance of reading, but also strengthened the bond between students and their educators through the shared love of literature.