Midway event has more than reading

Midway Elementary School’s next Family Reading Night is March 8.

Midway first-grader Cameron Colandro and her grandmother, Carole Colandro, are among those who participated in a recent Family Reading Night at the school. The next event is from 5:30 to 7 p.m. March 8.

The reading of poems by students, such as fifth-grader Tony Ibarra, is a staple of the school’s Family Reading Night. The event is designed to promote reading between children and their parents or caregivers. The oral readings give the students practice in public speaking.

The event, coordinated by school librarian Karen Buehler, promotes reading by parents or caregivers with children. Past attendance has ranged from 80-199 adults and children, and Buehler said she has received a great deal of positive feedback.

Activities are from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the school library. Cookies and drinks are provided.

The event typically starts with entertainment by the children. One student from most home rooms, between 8-15, reads a poem the child has selected.

The idea is not only the entertainment but to give children practice in public speaking.

Poems concerning St. Patrick will be heavily featured in the March event.

Another group activity is a PowerPoint presentation put together by children during an after-school PowerPoint club that involves eight children.