By: Tonya Bishop
Early Childhood Program Director
We had the most magical time at our Legendary Season’s Readings Extravaganza, and we are still smiling about the joy it brought to our students and families here at the Early Childhood Program. This special evening was all about celebrating literacy, community, and the simple moments that make the season feel bright.
A heartfelt thank-you goes to Lovin’ Literacy For Life and the West Dakota Parent & Family Resource Center for hosting such a meaningful event. Your support helped create an experience that was welcoming, engaging, and full of opportunities for families to learn and laugh together.
We started the night the best way possible—sharing pizza for supper together. It was the perfect chance for families to settle in, visit, and enjoy a relaxed meal before jumping into the evening’s activities. After dinner, we gathered for story time. We listened to a special story about North Dakota Legendary Learners, which set the tone for an evening centered on reading, imagination, and connection.
From there, students rotated through fun, hands-on stations that blended learning with holiday cheer. We practiced nursery rhymes alongside the DMS Junior Honor Society, fostering strong connections between older and younger learners while strengthening early literacy skills in a playful, engaging way. Students also decorated cookies, made adorable gingerbread house crafts, and wrapped books to give as gifts—adding a special touch of kindness and excitement to the season. Watching children carefully choose a book, wrap it up, and feel proud to give it as a gift was one of the sweetest parts of the night.
The entire event was filled with smiles, conversation, and a warm sense of togetherness. We loved seeing families reading, creating, and learning side by side. Even more, we were reminded that literacy thrives when children associate books with comfort, joy, and connection—and when families feel supported with simple, meaningful ways to build reading routines at home.
Thank you to everyone who helped make the Legendary Season’s Readings Extravaganza possible—our community partners, volunteers, and staff who gave their time and energy to support our students. And to all our outstanding students and families who joined us: you truly made it a magical evening of literacy, laughter, and love.