An enthusiastic group of 25 Kindergarten and 1st-grade families gathered at Kinsella Magnet School of Performing Arts on Tuesday evening for a special Early Literacy Night, dedicated to celebrating the critical importance of reading and community.
The successful event was made possible through funding from a State Extra Curricular Grant, underscoring a commitment to providing enriching after-school and family engagement opportunities.
The evening began with a shared dinner, setting a warm and familial tone before the main event. Families were then treated to a unique artistic experience, spending time with local artists Tom Lee and Leslie Johnson. The artists guided the students and their parents in bringing the beautifully illustrated book, Maybe Something Beautiful: How Art Transformed a Neighborhood by F. Isabel Campoy and Theresa Howell (and illustrated by Rafael López), to life. The interactive session emphasized how art and storytelling can inspire positive change, mirroring the book's core message.
The engaging and collaborative evening concluded with a festive spread of cookies and juice, along with some fun raffle prizes. In a lasting dedication to literacy, every student who attended went home with a selection of new books to add to their home libraries, ensuring the focus on reading extends far beyond the school night.
The event was a vibrant success, reinforcing the partnership between Kinsella Magnet School and its families in fostering a lifelong love of reading.