Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) continues to raise awareness about the importance of reading, share information about the Virginia Literacy Act, and further its commitment to learning and achievement for all and family and community engagement through literacy activities.

PWCS reading specialists have played a pivotal role in literacy instruction since the adoption of the Virginia Literacy Act, including their involvement in family literacy nights.

As you walked into the T. Clay Wood Elementary School gymnasium at the school’s family literacy night, you were greeted with smiles, games, and even the wagging of tails.

Families could participate in several activities including games, learning about programs at the Prince William County Public Library and the opportunity to sign up for a library card, and students could read books to therapy dogs.

“Literacy Night is important because it gives the staff an opportunity to connect with parents and students to help children build a love of reading. Reading is a lifelong skill, and we want our students to love books from the beginning of their education,” stated Laura Fawley, reading specialist at T. Clay Wood Elementary. “We really want parents to know that we are your team. We’re committed to helping your child read and we’re here to support you.”

For Jeremy Cortash, a parent of three PWCS students, there was so much excitement leading up to the event. "I think that stuff like this helps to make our kids more engaged and more excited. It is something they really do get excited about. They talk about it, knowing it’s coming up for weeks,” Cortash said.

“At T. Clay Wood, we believe learning to read and loving to read are two important skills that all students need to be successful at school and beyond. Literacy nights and book fairs open the door to new worlds and make learning fun while sparking the imaginations of our Timberwolves. I love seeing everyone coming out and valuing books and literacy,” shared Dr. Andrew Buchheit, principal at T. Clay Wood.

At Tyler Elementary School’s family literacy night, students could participate in literacy activities led by Tyler Elementary teachers and supported by Battlefield High School student-athletes, while parents could learn more about the Virginia Literacy Act.

Ornella Baker, one of the parents in attendance, shared how it is important to learn new ways to help with her students’ education. “I think it's important to foster a love for reading for my kids. I think it's also really important as a parent to learn different ways that they're learning how to read so that I can also help them better at home,” Baker said.

Cassie Astrin also attended with her fourth-grade son Charlie, and said they like to participate in events like these to meet new people and learn about resources for reading.

“I know that it's really important to make sure that our kids are supported as young as possible because that helps them. If they're not supported when they're younger, it's harder when they're older,” Astrin said.

Some of the activities at the family literacy event included word games, roll and read games, and doodling/writing about students’ doodles. Charlie said he particularly enjoyed creating his own book.

“You had to make your own book, and it had all these questions in it, and I really liked it,” Charlie said. “Tonight was a fun night.” 

“We always try to keep it fun and engaging and something helpful for parents to take with them to help build literacy at home,” Stephanie Richards, reading specialist at Tyler, said.

The fun continued at Mountain View Elementary School with their family literacy night. The theme was “Reading is Everywhere,” and featured literacy activities, a book fair, and more. Some of the activities included “Reading with a Glow,” where students and families read in the dark with glow accessories, an international book tasting, and literacy games like Scrabble Scramble.

Additionally, Mountain View Elementary students read over 68,000 minutes in just 10 days as part of their read-a-thon.

Tammy McRoberts, reading specialist at Mountain View, said the family literacy night was a huge hit.

“It motivates students to enjoy and foster a love for reading. They were able to experience reading in so many different ways, and find that reading truly is everywhere, and it can be so much fun,” shared McRoberts.

Along with family literacy nights, students at Glenkirk Elementary School “buddied up” to read together during their Kindness Week.

First graders teamed up with third graders to read to each other. When asked what kindness looks like, students replied, “Respect each other and show kindness.”

Another student shared, “Saying kind words and hugging.”

When asked what kindness sounds like, the students replied, “It sounds like a high five or someone saying good job.”

These initiatives are just a few examples of how PWCS prioritizes literacy across the division and engages families as genuine partners in education to support academic progress, as outlined in the PWCS Vision 2025 Strategic Plan.