Students at Cecil H. Parker show off writing skills at the Winter Literacy Ball

The gymnasium was filled with clamor and delight as students and parents walked around reading the student writing displayed on the wall and speaking with the authors about their works. On Thursday, December 19, 2024, Cecil H. Parker School held a Winter Literacy Ball where fourth, fifth ,and sixth-grade students got to show off the writing skills they’ve learned and the multiple writing exercises that they’ve completed since the beginning of the year. 

“The District is putting more focus on writing this year because some of our scholars need help in that area,” said Jennifer Fuller, the academic intervention services provider for fourth, fifth and sixth grade at Parker. “So we decided to make it more fun for them. We collectively thought about holding a ball for them where they could publish their pieces.” 

Students participating in the literacy ball dressed up in suits and dresses, with themes for the holiday season. They worked extremely hard to prepare for this event by drafting their pieces, learning how to type, and publishing their pieces for their peers to view. The writing pieces primarily consisted of poetry, personal narratives, opinion pieces and a special letter to someone who inspired them to write. 

“I liked this event, and I liked writing for it,” said Justin Montaleza, a fifth grader at Parker. “I wrote about my role model, my dedication, a story about what if I was trapped in a snow globe and other stuff I like. I like writing.” 

Parents were invited to a picnic-style lunch where they could eat with their children as well as read their student’s work. Many parents happily provided the food and refreshments consisting of macaroni and cheese, rice and beans, fried chicken and sandwiches. 

“For this event, we did assignments from our teacher and wrote whatever came to our minds,” said Dahlia Marshall, a fifth grader at Parker. “I had lots of fun and I like being able to dress up and express my work to everybody.”