On Feb. 5, SCASD families flocked to the high school to participate in SCASD Reads Family Night. The fourth year of the event– this year themed “Animal Adventures”– drew in over 2,000 guests coming to celebrate reading and connection.
The event featured over 47 stations all centered around the animal theme. Some of the activities included animal-themed read-a-louds hosted by State High student groups, live animal presentations, crafts of puppets and origami, author visits, and local business booths.
SCASD Reads is an initiative that aims to promote literacy and critical thinking within the school district. 2024’s event garnered over 1,000 attendees, and this year aimed to carry that momentum.
Mount Nittany Librarian Summer Wilson described the reaction to the event. “ I think that they’re having a lot of fun. There’s a little something for everyone here. So what I see is a lot of smiles right now,” Wilson said.
The excitement was palpable throughout the building as kids traveled around with their families from face painting to bingo. Sophomore vice president Natalie Branstetter hosted storytimes with other sophomore senate members. She explained what she enjoyed. ”My favorite part is just seeing everybody really enjoying the books and just running around and having a nice time and being excited about reading. I think everybody’s really excited,” Branstetter said.
Combining fun activities with educational aspects allowed youth to view reading through a different lens. Although reading is ultimately one of, if not the most, important skills to have, studies show that two-thirds of American children can’t read proficiently. Combating this discrepancy begins with awareness and action in schools.
State High student Em Haas was a volunteer at the event, helping out at one of the game stations. Haas explained the stigma surrounding the process of learning to read, and how the event helped surpass that.
“ Well, I think for a lot of times for little kids, reading is kind of hard and scary. And so having a fun event where there are activities can be very exciting to other people who might just be reluctant to read,” Haas said.
When families are engaged in the school, students learn and achieve more. Junior student and library volunteer Sophia Lezhava agreed with Haas, noting the importance of community in education.
“ It teaches a love of learning while also making people closer to their communities. So these kids, they learn education with their friends and they just associate things that they might be taught is boring, but it becomes fun when they do it in a community setting, you know?” Lezhava said.
The event had aspects for everyone, ensuring that all attendees would find something that encouraged them to continue learning- and having fun doing it.
Wilson stressed that the skills youth learn now will follow them throughout their lives. “Literacy is a lifelong skill. It’s super important. So anything we can do to promote that is good with me,” Wilson said.
AAUW member Mary Ann Blair emphasized the importance of reading, which is ultimately what SCASD Reads strives to communicate.
“ You have to know how to read. It stuns me to even think that people don’t know how to read. It just opens so many doors for you. It takes you to other places. You can explore. You can be snug and cozy. You can be scared out of your wits. And all in the safety of your chair. I think it’s wonderful,” Blair said.
Due to SCASD Reads’ continued success, it will certainly make a return in future years. Families can learn about it and future library department initiatives through the district’s social media pages.
