On a warm Monday evening in mid-August, a quiet street on the Jersey Shore was transformed for the young members of our Magen David Yeshivah family and their exciting literacy event. The students, along with their parents, were thrilled when they arrived and saw a backyard filled with colorful balloons, an assortment of delicious foods, and countless books for their very special “read aloud.” It was an MDY summer literary happening set in a warm and nurturing atmosphere.
The youngest students were invited to A Summer Night of Reading and Fun, which featured a read aloud with MDY teachers and administration and craft projects for all ages. Children were welcome to wear storybook themed pajamas and share their favorite storybook characters.
The beautiful home of Joyce and Raymond Betesh served as the setting for the event. Children, parents, and faculty had an unforgettable, fun-filled and educational evening organized by MDY’s talented and creative PTA.
The director of the early childhood division, Mrs. Terri Mizrachi, the Assistant Principal of the elementary school lower division, Mrs. Debra Hamburg, the director of the elementary school’s learning center, Mrs. Stacy Katzwer, the literacy coach and associate program director, Mrs. Carly Mavorah and other faculty members read iconic children’s literature—The Day the Crayons Quit, Knuffle Bunny, Chrysanthemum, and Miss Brooks Loves Books—to the attentive children Mrs. Hamburg said, “It was a perfect evening.
Our children and parents experienced one of our major school goals—reading and enjoying books. The listeners were totally engaged. The storytellers did what they love to do, read to and experience books with their cherished students. It was the perfect combination for a night whose impact will last well past this event.”
MDY elementary school has become a haven for readers. Celebrated authors of children’s books often visit and students are engaged in literacy activities consistently during the year.
As the sun began to set, it was time for the spectacular evening to come to a close. Mrs. Norma Chehebar, a parent of two MDY students, perhaps best summed up the evening, “Wow! It was a really amazing night. It gave my young children a great foundation for the love and enjoyment of reading and enhanced my excitement and eagerness to read to them.”
