As part of the month-long "I Love To Read" festivities, Harlem Elementary held its annual Family Literacy Night on February 20th. The exciting event was sponsored by 21st Century Community Learning Center and the Wrap-Around program. The fun-filled evening was chocked full of well over 100 eager students and their families enjoying the yummy refreshments and Dr. Seuss themed literacy activities. To kick off the night, the students received a box of crayons as they entered the door to complete their Sr. Seuss themed book marks and activity posters, while in great anticipation of the "Big Event," Dr. Seuss Bingo! The kiddos, as well as their parents, were super charged to play the literacy based, diverse varieties of Bingo, especially because the prizes were popular, well-loved books for all ages. To top it off, adult door prizes were also sprinkled throughout the evening, making the festivities the perfect "I Love To Read" celebration for everyone in attendance.

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What better way to incorporate fun with serious learning than to mix it all together with a Dr. Seuss-themed lesson to celebrate 'I Love To Read' month? Mrs. Hopkins' Harlem Elementary first graders did just that very thing when they performed a science experiment to turn a liquid into a solid. Now ordinarily, one might think turning water into ice would be the practical solution, but this adventurous bunch is far from ordinary! Instead, the young scholars decided to fill a large jar with cream, then have each student vigorously shake the mixture until their arms were tired and it was time to pass the jar on to the next shaker. The curious young researchers shook and shook and shook, while Dr. Seuss' "The Butter Battle Book" movie played in the background. Much to their surprise, when 20 minutes had passed, the cream had miraculously formed into a giant ball of sweet butter! After completing the final steps of the butter making process, the little scientists sampled the fruits of their labor, spread evenly across delicious cinnamon swirl bread. The world's future scientists concurred – their experiment was a success, and their satisfied tastebuds whole-heartedly agreed!

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Harlem Elementary First Grade Scientists perform experiment

The last week of February finds Harlem Elementary first grader, Peyton Martell, and fourth grader, Daythen Johnson, joining the Rockin' ROAR Roster. Peyton and Daythen are Respectful, Organized, Always safe, and Responsible, and are perfect ROAR models for their peers. Way to ROAR, Lil' Wildcats!