To say that St. Croix's Back to School Night at the Library on August 27 was a huge hit with students and parents is an understatement. More than 100 attendees arrived at the event--a collaborative effort between the Virgin Islands Department of Education and DPNR's Division of Libraries, Archives and Museums--ready to read, write and have a good time!
Under the leadership of Program Manager Denise Gomes along with a dynamic team of volunteers from the Department of Education and the Florence Williams Public Library, the first-time event, geared toward students in grades K-6, was designed to enhance students' literacy skills and to encourage participation in the 8th Annual Governor's Summer Reading Challenge, which will culminate on September 23, 2016. It also gave students and parents a rare, but welcomed opportunity to enjoy evening hours at the downtown Christiansted library.
The event, held from 3 to 8 p.m., kicked off with storytelling by Jahmila Greenaway and Director of Cultural Education Valrica Bryson, who both entertained youngsters and their parents with traditional Anansi stories. Bryson captivated students by having them cheer, hop and participate in call-and-response during the story. The young participants were overcome with laughter and excitement as they honed their listening and comprehension skills. Library volunteer Jessica David read a story to the group.
After the storytelling presentations, Gomes explained that literacy does not only involve reading; she said it also includes writing, speaking and listening. With that, volunteers engaged students in an array of writing projects, arts and crafts, and reading sessions. Winifred Loving read to the younger children; Gomes guided students in an art project about feelings, complete with a poem; Dinah Browne worked with older students on a writer's workshop and reader's theater, which featured students reading aloud from a prepared script. Participants also enjoyed a builders' workshop sponsored by Home Depot. Ingrid Bough, territorial director of DPNR's Division of Libraries, Archives and Museums, was pleased to open the Florence Williams doors for the fun-filled event.
And, there was lots for parents to do. Elementary Programs Coordinator Jeselle Cruse-Peter conducted a parent workshop where she presented a variety of fun ways for parents to promote and support literacy at home using everyday household items. Parents could be seen, and heard, laughing and engaging in activities as they learned how to help their children succeed. When asked, one parent shared her excitement. "It was thoroughly excellent," said Mrs. Baptiste, who attended Night at the Library with her husband and 7-year old son.
Back to School Night at the Library, St. Croix, also received rave reviews from students. Countless youngsters expressed how much they enjoyed the event and could not wait to do it again. Each student received free books and a folder filled with educational activities to take home.
Back to School Night at the Library was held on St. Thomas at the Turnbull Regional Library on August 20.
