JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – On Tuesday, March 20th, Washington Elementary School played host to a “Reading Under the Stars” event.

Washington Elementary Principal Phyllis Clemens says ten teachers, 72 students and their family members joined in the event sponsored by the PTO and staff to promote reading and parent/family involvement.

“In advance of the evening, families received a ‘Reading Night Wall of Stars’ questionnaire to complete and bring to the event for display,” Principal Clemens explained.

The four questions asked included:

“What was your favorite book when you were my age?”
“Why did you like it?”
“What are you reading right now?”
“What is your favorite genre?”

Local authors Annie Jarrett-Keffeler and Nancy Kuykendall joined the event.

“[Jarrett-Keffeler] read her children’s book ‘Duncan’s Christmas Cat’astrophe’ to students grades K-2, while Nancy Kuykendall spoke to students in grades 2-5 about the writing and publishing process,” Principal Clemens stated.

Students, families, and teachers moved into various tents and other seating spaces in the school to read together.

“Families had been invited to bring their favorite books, but books were also available and question cards were provided to help prompt discussion regarding setting, characters, main idea, etc.,” Principal Clements pointed out. “Each child was able to choose a book to take home to keep, and everyone enjoyed a variety of S’more themed snacks before heading home.”

You can find some pictures from the event below.