East Windsor Families 'Read Under the Stars'

Families filled the Broad Brook Elementary School gymnasium Thursday night for “Reading Under the Stars,” an event to promote child literacy.

Assistant Principal Tracy Duenzl said the students brought books to swap and received a free new book to bring home, as well.

“The kids are really having fun with their friends,” she said.

The school hosts an annual reading event to promote literacy and encourage reading, but this was the first time it was held in the spring with a campfire theme. About 175 people attended the event.

Despite a quick downpour earlier in the evening that forced the event inside, families brought blankets and gathered around faux fires with snacks of pretzels and marshmallows to listen to stories and sing songs. Each circle had a guest reader who shared a tale or two before Sherry Richters, literacy coach, read a story to everyone.

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“We are really excited with the turnout,” Richters said. “This is a great way to get more books into the hands of kids.”

Parent and kindergarten aide Sophie McConnell said that the teachers worked hard to put the evening together.

“It is a nice way for families to come and read together,” she said.

Ava Hanson, 7, said she was excited to bring in a book to trade for a new book. Her mother, Laura Hanson, said the event was a great way to encourage children to read.

“It is awesome the kids could bring in a book to trade. My daughters were excited to go through their books and pick one to bring in,” she said.

Duenzl said Wal-Mart donated $1,000 through a grant in support of the event; the money was used to purchase the new books for the event.

Andrew Pellegrini, 8, a second-grader at Broad Brook School, said he had a lot of fun reading with his friends.

“This was a great way to get the community together to celebrate reading,” Sarah Lane, a second-grade teacher, said.

Along with the books, students picked out bookmarks with their names on them. Richters said this would help her determine who was able to attend the event, and make sure students who couldn’t come also would get a free book. Extra books will be sent home at the end of the year for students to read during the summer.

The East Windsor Public Schools also will host a on June 11, from 5-9 p.m. at 25 Hazard Ave., Enfield, where students can shop for summer reading books. A portion of sales will benefit the schools. Student artwork will be displayed in the store, and there will be musical performances by students in the cafe.