Literacy+Night+Out

toc As //Literacy Leads the Way// in HISD, campus-based Literacy Coaches are blazing their own pathways for literacy as they invite parents to partake in a night of learning about literacy. Literacy doesn't merely take place in the confines of the classroom, but spans into living rooms, brings parents and children together, and closes the generational gap as all family members from grandparents to young toddlers are able to participate in literacy at home. We celebrate the schools and the Literacy Coaches that have began the work of informing parents about literacy at home.

=Burbank Middle School=
 * Kynette Gray**, Literacy Coach

Burbank's fifth annual Family Literacy Night was held on Nov. 5, 2008. The theme was, "Elect to Read." Teachers were clad in red, white, and blue top hats and Elect to Read t-shirts. There were literacy game booths manned by ELA teachers, and food booths sponsored by organizations within the school. The Scholastic Book Fair was selling books and the Houston Public Library-Moody Branch was represented. There was also a representative from La Voz newspaper.

Literacy Coach Kynette Gray presented a PowerPoint and "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" game on literacy tips for parents. A performance by the Burbank cheerleaders and Burbank Folkloric dancers delighted the crowd. There were approximately 300 parents and students in attendance, and a good time was had by all. Many parents commented on how much they enjoyed themselves.



=McReynolds Middle School=
 * Kevin A. Harris**, Literacy Coach

The Cliff Tuttle Branch of the Houston Public Library hosted McReynolds Middle School celebrating it Family Literacy Night on November 13, 2008. At this event, parents were able to visit multiple stations to gain insight on how to support their children with Science and History Fair projects, become aware of databases for research and public services and sign up for a Power Card to check out books for family reading.

Meeting and conferencing with teachers at the neighborhood library allowed the parents to utilize a valuable public resource within their community. Parents and students walked away with empowering newfound knowledge and great board games that promote literacy and great fun. =Cullen Middle School=
 * Carolyn Barnes,** Literacy Coach

November 19, 2008 was an exciting night for the Bobcat family as it celebrated Literacy Night Out. Parents participated in engaging activities that incorporated the components of literacy as they strolled down Turkey Lane.



Entertainment during dinner was provided by Stephen Timothy, a member of the TSU debate team. The evening ended with drawings for baskets provided by the staff. Everyone had a wonderful time.