January 22, 2024
On January 11, 2024, a Literacy and Pajama Night was held at Van Winkle Elementary School. The event was organized by JPS Partners in Education (Parent and Family Engagement Center), in partnership with the Mississippi Children's Museum.
Parents and their pre-K through 2nd-grade scholars were treated to an evening of fun activities centered around early childhood literacy and games that inspired reading. Each scholar wore pajamas and was given the opportunity to have their photo taken with the beloved mascot and literacy advocate, Rocky the Reader.
The staff from Van Winkle and the Mississippi Children’s Museum modeled techniques for parents to establish a routine of reading to their children at home. The Children’s Museum introduced Rocky’s House and its cast of characters. Rocky guided parents through three primary methods of language and literacy development: playing, talking, and reading.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Alpha Delta Zeta Chapter, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Mu Sigma Chapter, and City Heart Church donated stuffed animals that were given to each scholar who attended. Age-appropriate books were also given out from the JPS Rise Grant program, and each student was encouraged to go home and read to their new “stuffed friend.” Door prizes included free school supplies, backpacks and tickets to the Mississippi Children’s Museum.
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Watch: Dr. Green participates in one of the fun activities at Literacy & Pajama Night
