Media release from Rome, GA City Schools:
Snow White and the seven dwarves were on hand as were Winnie the Pooh and Piglet, Robin Hood, several superheroes, and more as Rome City Schools celebrated the Howl-o-Ween Literacy Festival at the Parent Resource Center on Saturday morning.
Tons of kids in costume showed up to play games, trick-or-treat, and have a fun morning, but more importantly every trick-or-treater not only went home with some candy but several books that they could read. All told, more than 2,000 books were handed out to children during the event.
“This is an event to put the books in the hands of children. Each of the schools is represented. They’re giving out books and candy,” Sunday Stephens, Federal Programs Specialist for Rome City Schools, said. “We make sure we get these books in the hands of children, and we’re all dressed up as characters from books to help spark their curiosity to read. Engaging kids with high-interest books can foster a love for reading and improve literacy skills.”
Rome City Schools teachers and staff were on hand, many wearing costumes representing literary characters or even dressed up as books.
Each school had a table full of books for readers of all ages with staff members dressed up. West End Elementary had a western theme with lots of cowboy hats and Western attire, East Central had a slew of superheroes, Elm Street had Snow White and the seven dwarves complete with the evil queen, and West Central dressed up as crayons which matched their book’s theme. All of the schools were well represented with costumes galore.
East Central’s always effervescent Gary Jones helped keep the crowd entertained while playing music and hosting the musical chairs game.
“Being able to hand out these books and work on literacy is a top priority. Literacy is a huge Rome City Schools initiative, and we also want to increase parent engagement,” Stephens said. “We are able to accomplish both of those tasks with this event. We hope the kids will go home and their parents will read the books with them, especially the younger children.”
Having lots of teachers, principals, and staff dressed up as literary characters and joining in the fun also helps, as kids participated in games throughout the morning along with trick or treating for candy and books at the various tables.
“It’s amazing. This is our third year and it has grown each year. We hope that we continue to get bigger each year and get more books out to kids,” Stephens said.
Watching the event it was oftentimes tough to tell who was having more fun, the kids getting the candy and the books or the teachers and staff dancing, posing for pictures and encouraging the love of reading.
“This is just amazing. When you look around you can’t help but smile,” Stephens said. “This is one of the most fun experiences that I get to be a part of each year. We always enjoy it.”