The lights will be ablaze at the Sebring McKinley Schaefer-Davies Football Stadium on Saturday, September 17 as the community gathers to engage young students in a celebration of literacy.
The event will begin at 6:30 p.m., with the McKinley band taking the field to kick off the event, forming the tunnel on the field, with the cheerleaders and student athletes joining in. Then, students in preschool through 6th grade will begin a tour of stations throughout the stadium, getting passports punched as they participate in each activity.
Sebring McKinley athletes, students from the school’s clubs and organizations, staff, and volunteers will engage participating students in the activities featuring reading and literacy skills. “This gives the K-6 students the opportunity to see the success our older students have in both school and extracurricular activities, establishing role models for younger students as they envision their own journey at Sebring,” Jill Dennis, Family Engagement Coordinator at Sebring Local Schools.
The stations incorporate literacy skills and tips in a number of activities and a variety of topics - from music and literacy, to a Spanish activity hosted by McKinley’s Language Club, to a literacy craft. Participants will also have the opportunity to learn about the resources available through Sebring Library and sign up for a library card.
At ‘halftime,’ guests of all ages are invited to bring a blanket or chair and enjoy reading together on the field.
The event will feature special guests including author Sally Kurjan and her dog Bernie, star of Kurjan’s ‘Bernie the One-Eyed Puppy’ series. Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet Booker the Bear (Sebring Library’s mascot) and Andy the Armadillo (the Texas Roadhouse mascot).
“Literacy Under the Lights is an exciting way to engage students and their parents in meaningful literacy activities while building community spirit, strengthening the partnership between school and families, and connecting families with local resources such as the library,” says Dennis.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a book for a book swap, and to drop a new book in the book bin to be distributed to students in the district. All students attending the event will receive a free book, and prizes will be raffled at the event, including a Reading Nook!
Refreshments will be available at the concession stand, with proceeds benefiting B.L. Miller P.I.E. (Partners In Education). The organization puts the funds raised back into events, supplies, and resources for B.L. Miller students.
“We are thankful for the tremendous support our community has provided for this event, and for our students throughout the year,” says Dennis. “Their support is an important factor in our students’ success. We hope they join us to see our McKinley students being role models and leaders in the district.”
Literacy Under the Lights is made possible through the support of The Sebring Public Library, The United Way -SA6 After School Program, Texas Roadhouse, Sebring student athletes, Sebring McKinley student organizations, Sebring staff, volunteers, and the community.