Festival of Books: A Celebration of Literature and Community
This year’s Festival of Books was a weeklong celebration of literacy including book signings, mystery readers and creative workshops. It also provided ample opportunities to build community - as well as classroom libraries and is one of the Parents’ Association’s biggest fundraisers of the year.
Highlights of the week included “PJs & Pizza,” which brought together Country School and Horizons students for fun games, crafts and storytelling by beloved mystery readers Mrs. Stevens, Ms. Kravec, Mr. Hastings and Mr. Elkind. Parents were meanwhile invited to a workshop led by former Head of Early Childhood Betsy McKenna and local artist-educator Barbara Rucci, who also signed copies of their new book Art Workshop for Children. The book features artwork by many Country School students and describes Ms. Rucci’s philosophy of a child-led approach which encourages creative thinking and the wonder that comes when children are allowed to freely explore the creative process and materials. Mrs. McKenna spoke about the value of art making with children and shared her perspective on making messes, imperfection, the role of the adult, collaborative art and the Reggio Emilia method.
Current and former NCCS student authors Sushmita Narayan, Himani Narayan and Nicholas Stern signed copies of their second book in The Pen-Stars™ Series called Baseball, Broccoli, Boats and Bottles. The series aims to provide a creative platform for kids where they can draw and write their own stories, learn new words, and become published authors and artists.
In Early Childhood, children enjoyed mystery readers Mrs. Walden and Mrs. Bean while parents participated in a Literacy Forum hosted by Head of Early Childhood Beth O’Brien and her team which included interactive workshops on “Literacy in Context,” “Direct Moments of Literacy Instruction” and “Writing Workshop.”
Festival of Books is possible due to countless volunteer hours. “Thank you to the many volunteers for their time, energy, love of books, enthusiasm and creativity. We truly enjoyed volunteering together with you in support of our school!” said co-chairs Carina Calia, Katie McCormick and Sharon Teles.
Special thanks is also due to Festival of Books vice chairs Westy LeConey and Elizabeth Thompson; and “PJs & Pizza” chair Jessica Blouin and vice chairs Cara Herdeg and Kristen Rodgers.
New Canaan Country School
New Canaan Country School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin and are afforded all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, or disability in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid policies or any other school-administered programs.
