From left to right, Lilly Barnes, Janessa Rivera, and Brinley Barnes, students at Matthew C. Perry Elementary School, pose for a group picture during Literacy Night at M.C. Perry Elementary School on Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Dec. 15, 2015. Literacy Night promotes the importance of reading in a way the children find fun and enjoyable.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Nathan Wicks

M.C. Perry holds holiday Literacy Night

15 Dec 2015 | Lance Cpl. Nathan Wicks Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan --

Students of Matthew C. Perry Elementary School gathered in the cafeteria for a night of reading, snacks and holiday cheer during Literacy Night at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Dec. 15, 2015.

The purpose of Literacy Night is to encourage students to read in their spare time by making it more of an enjoyable hobby rather than a daunting task.

“This is an annual event where we invite parents and students to come out and have a good time reading,” said Teena Livengood, literacy support specialist for M.C. Perry Elementary School. “We want the kids to know reading is fun and exciting. When they see all the teachers and other role models reading, it really helps project a good image of reading onto the children.”

Students of M.C. Perry first listened to Nancy Pushart read and act out “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” by Dr. Seuss.

Afterward, students dispersed to various classrooms, each with a teacher from the school, reading a different holiday book like “The Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg, “Pirate’s Night Before Christmas” by Philip Yates, or “How Santa Got His Job” by Stephen Krensky.

Finally, students gathered in the auditorium to enjoy snacks, meet with Mr. and Mrs. Clause to find out whether they’ve been naughty or nice, and participate in a raffle for their chance to win a gift card.

Overall, Literacy Night provided students of M.C. Perry with a fun experience and a lasting memory.

“It’s important for kids to know how to read,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Chris Coons, command career counselor with Marine Air Logistics Squadron 12. “This helps them get together outside of school and learn that reading is truly fun.”

Livengood said the whole night would not have been possible without the support of the school’s parent-teacher organization and the service members who volunteered.

Students will have more opportunities like this, as it is an annual event, along with other academic nights like Math Night this spring.

For more information, contact M.C. Perry Elementary School at 253-3447.