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Reading with the stars
Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2009
 Click here to enlarge this photo Staff photos by DARWIN WEIGEL
Barstow Elementary School students and parent, clockwise from left, twins Linnae and Garrett Krohnert, 4, Dana Krohnert, Amber O'Neill, 10, Alexis O'Neill, 6, and Max Krohnert, 6, react to Jeff Treiber's suspenseful reading of "The Monster at the End of this Book" Friday at the school's Snuggle Up and Read program.
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Barstow Elementary School was one big literary family on Friday evening for the school's "Snuggle Up and Read" event, with many Calvert County "big names" making special appearances as guest readers.
The event was held in the school's cafeteria at 6:30 p.m. and students were invited to wear their pajamas, bring a blanket and attend with their families.
"I think it's a good thing for kids to see police officers in a warm and friendly environment," said guest reader Calvert County Sheriff Mike Evans, who joined Calvert County Commissioner Linda Kelley (R), Board of Education member Bill Chambers and his wife, United Way of Calvert County CEO and President Kelly Chambers, Mardi Gras queen candidate Dixie Miller, Anne and Brooke Kaine and Don and Jackie Parsons of Kaine Homes, Marine 1st Sgt. Jeff Treiber and "Pinch," mascot of the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, who drew a particularly loud applause from the crowd.
For Barstow Elementary Principal Donna House, the PTA sponsored event was not just an excuse to get a bunch of public figures on campus, but part of a long-term vision for the recently opened school.
"Our PTA is really trying to design family events and make this a family-orientated school," said House, who noted similar past events as including a movie night and a winter festival, both of which, like this activity, had "great turnout."
She said future events of this nature include a family dance in March and an Earth Day activity in April.
"I think school is so much about families; we want to partner with families for our children's education," House said.
Stacie Browning, who is in charge of special events for Barstow Elementary's PTA, agreed with House and felt that a reading-centered event was especially appropriate to bring families into the school with their kids.
"We decided to do the event to promote reading and family involvement," Browning said.
As for the guest readers, Barstow Elementary PTA president Maricarol Cloak said she was very pleased with the responses she received after initially extending invitations.
"We really want to get the kids to read … It's great to hear mom and dad read every night, but sometimes it's fun if it's someone else and someone from the community," Cloak said.
The event also was a hit with the students, not that they weren't already reading.
"My favorite book is called ‘Dear Dumb Diary.' I liked it because it's funny," said 9-year-old Natalie Cloak, who listened to Kelley along with Rebecca McDonald.
"I like sports books, like football and baseball," Rebecca, 11, said.
She said her favorite guest reader so far had been Treiber, who for Friday evening was also known as "the guy reading the monster book."
