The Penn-Kidder campus K-8 held its annual Family Reading Night on May 5. Over 100 students showed up for the literacy event, which had a Cinco de Mayo theme.

This is the first in-person event held at the school since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Different themes are held at different schools throughout the year, focusing on math and reading.

Kimberly Zoba, reading coordinator for the district’s K-8 grades, explained that the event is part of the family engagement initiative, funded through Title I. Zoba has taught for 24 years and has been reading coordinator for the past eight years. This night is “an opportunity for parents to be part of the community and not feel disconnected.”

As students entered, they were given a card to hang around their neck which they got stamped at each of the learning stations.

Torch tickets were earned for getting all the stamps, which can be used for rewards at school. To encourage attendance, the homeroom with the most attendees earns an ice cream or pizza party.

BAMMM is part of the literary program, which stands for “books are marvelous, magical and magnificent.”

Stations were set up throughout the school where students could do hands-on learning. This included sensory bag activities, acrostic poems, Mexican dance, fiesta facts, matching maracas and bookmark poetry.

The PTA held a book sale and made and sold food. The goodies available included piña colada cupcakes, Cinco de Mayo jello (green, white and red), buffalo chicken dip, and walking tacos.