Turning The Page: Glennallen’s LiteracyNight & Book FairReturn in Full Swing
Book Fair flyer. Photo by Lakota McRoberts
May 15, 2025
Lakota McRoberts - CRR Staff
On April 30th, Glennallen School came alive with laughter, exploration, and a love of reading during its third Literacy Night of the year, which proved to be a fun, albeit hectic, evening full of engaging activities for students and families alike.
One of the evening's biggest highlights was the school-wide scavenger hunt, where children excitedly roamed the halls in search of clues, connecting with different books and classroom themes. The energy and joy were contagious as families participated together, making it a memorable experience for all.
A standout feature of the night was the return of the Book Fair—the first one in several years. Coordinated by Judith Lorenz, the Book Fair was a huge success, not only in sales but in drawing in even more families to the school. The combined events of Literacy Night and the Book Fair helped foster community connection, and plans are already underway to bring both back next year in partnership.
Adding to the evening's warmth and creativity, a read-aloud of Sam and Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen, offered a quiet moment for students and parents to sit together and enjoy a shared story.
A special thanks goes out to the amazing volunteers who made the event possible. In a heartwarming tradition, volunteers were treated to a pizza lunch the next day in gratitude for their time and energy. This year’s helpers included: Student Volunteers Reese Noble (11th), Jason Brennick (5th), Philip Brennick (4th), Chisana Korth (11th), Grace Rogers (12th), Preslyn Thompson (8th), Justin Douglas (11th), Jordin White (11th), Strorilyn Gumfory (5th), Markus Abbott (6th), Raylee Sutherland (11th), River Bengston (6th), Jayden Buck (8th, also played guitar during dinner), Eduel Spencer (8th), Ally Fields (11th), Wyatt McGinnis (6th), Cheyenne Fields (12th), and Hadassah Alexander (7th).
Community & Staff Volunteers included Sarah Abbott (Parent), Lidya Hill (Community Member), Izabelle Bergmann (Community Member), Laurie Blair (Upstream Learning Support Teacher), John Hale (4th Grade Teacher), Gretchen Nelson (5th Grade Teacher), Duane Nelson (Paraprofessional)
Door prizes added an extra layer of fun, with winners walking away with games and kits to keep the literacy love going at home: Jack Dempsey – Yahtzee, Atlas Hjortstorp – Rock Painting Kit, Eric Lutz – Dr. Seuss Scrabble, Lily Lutz – Bouncy Ball Making Kit, Maverik Hand-Sinyon – Word Scrambles, Labin Hoffman – Word Bingo and Nelly Ashton – Junior Scrabble
The Migrant Education Program provided the funds to purchase the materials needed for the event as well as the food, helping make the night both successful and welcoming.
Organized from beginning to end by Laura Scott, District Reading Interventionist, Glennallen School’s Literacy Night was not only a celebration of books but of the spirit of community, curiosity, and lifelong learning. With so much enthusiasm and support from students, staff, and families, the future of literacy events in Glennallen looks bright.
