Poly’s Literacy Week Celebrates Stories and the Joy of Reading

This year, Poly's Lower and Middle School Library aligned Literacy Week with Children’s Book Week November 3-9, a national celebration organized by Every Child a Reader. The theme was based on the popular book series Dog Man, which continues to energize Lower School students. The week concluded with the Fall Festival Celebration, giving families a lively and festive ending to the series of activities. Throughout the week, students participated in events focused on reading and books. A huge thanks to the Literacy Week team who helped plan this wonderful week including Amneh Gavina P ’36, Jacqueline Jai P ’36, Leah Bieltvedt P ’27 29 33, Ashley Choi P ’33 36, Jane Yu P ’33 35, and Ellen Ouchi P ’35 37.

“Each year we learn, refine, and build on what works, adjusting and improving to make the experience even better for our entire community. I've been proud to see this event become what it has, and I'm excited to see how it will continue to grow in the coming years,” said Lower and Middle School Librarian Alex Bryndzia.

Monday launched the bookmark contest with students designing creative bookmarks. This opportunity gives all Lower School students the chance to participate in the competition. Fifth-grade student council members reviewed the submissions and selected a winner from each grade level, as well as an overall winner. The chosen bookmarks are in the North Campus Library. Grade-level winners will see their work shared with their classmates, and the overall winner’s design will be distributed throughout the entire Lower School. Scholastic also provided a Dog Man prize pack for the top award.

Tuesday focused on preparing for the author visit and celebrating Native American culture. Students read I Am Native by Violet Duncan, discussed connections to their own lives, and created “I Am” pages to reflect on identity. Later that evening, families gathered for a special parent event featuring authors from Poly’s own community, who spoke about their creative work and paths to publishing.

Wednesday and Thursday featured the ever-popular Used Book Sale in Founders Hall. Classes visited the library to browse gently used books and give them a new home. Prices ranged from twenty-five cents to a dollar, making it easy for readers to explore something new. On Wednesday, students also wrote “Dear Character” letters. Fourth-grade samples are still available in the library for anyone interested in seeing their insightful reflections.

Friday brought a special visit from storyteller Violet Duncan, who is of Plains Cree and Taino heritage from Kehewin Cree Nation. She delivered engaging presentations to students in kindergarten through second grades, then third through fifth grades, and later to Middle School, sharing stories that highlighted culture, tradition, and imagination.

Throughout the week, mystery guest readers surprised classrooms with impromptu storytimes. Faculty and staff members visited rooms to read childhood favorites or discoveries that they wanted to share with young readers.

Sunday wrapped up Literacy Week with the Fall Festival. Families enjoyed crafts, food trucks, hands-on activities, and an expanded Used Book Sale. Fables and Fancies, an independent bookstore from Sierra Madre, joined the event to offer new books for purchase. Performances added to the lively atmosphere, including the PEP dance squad, violinist Windsor J-B ’36, and parent readers. Poly also welcomed 50 prospective families who were invited to experience the warmth of the school community.

“This event was a really great opportunity for the entire community to come together and celebrate books and reading,” said Alex. “It has a festival, sometimes even carnival feel to it, and most importantly, it centers around books.”

The week offered many opportunities for students and families to connect through books, creativity, and storytelling. Literacy Week once again underscored Poly’s belief in the power of reading and the joy that comes from sharing stories.