The “Family Literacy Night” at Eden Park Elementary School featured a few laughs and some important information for families with fourth graders.  Nearly three dozen families attended the event on Wednesday, October 17th.  The focus of the night was literacy.  School leaders encouraged families to make reading a part of their everyday lives. 

Fourth grade students and their families attended a special workshop on the LEAP test, where they received information on the format of the test.  The workshop included computer activities for parents and students to help in preparation for the March test.

The Baton Rouge Chapter of The Links, Inc. provided door prizes and funds for many of the activities.  This organization is a signed partner with Eden Park Elementary School. Other partners also sponsored activities for families.  Volunteers in Public Schools provided a workshop which gave information on the “Everybody Reads” program.  This is an after-school reading program designed to increase the reading time for students, in turn, helping students develop a love for books. The East Baton Rouge Parish Library was also available to discuss the on-going activities at libraries in the area. 

There were light moments during the event, when the crowd was entertained by “Silly Nilly” the literacy clown.  Her performance gave students the opportunity to participate in the discussion on reading for fun.

At Park Forest Middle School, math and science were the focus of fun events and learning.  School leaders say the purpose of this event is to get families involved in the classroom process.  Students worked along side family members to solve math puzzles and perform science experiments.  Park Forest math coach Sherry Malveaux says all of the activities follow the comprehensive curriculum.  “We want parents to understand what their kids are learning and that their teachers are working hard.” 

Park Forest Middle School is planning a school wide educational field day next year which will consist of activities related to English-Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies.