Long Meadow Elementary School Holds 9^th Annual P.J. Story Hour

On a recent blustery day, Winnie the Pooh and Tigger too, joined families and friends at Long Meadow Elementary School’s 9^th annual P.J. Story Hour. 

According to LMES Media Specialist, Angie Groman, the PTO sponsored event, was inspired by the National Education Association’s (NEA) Read Across America program, now in its tenth year.

In keeping with the NEA’s program, PJ Story Hour was established to focus attention on the importance of motivating children to read. 

“Our idea was to provide an evening of families getting together and reading with their children,” explained Mrs. Groman.  “Students are welcome to come to school wearing pajamas, to listen to several stories read by parents or other family members and visit with guest characters,” she said.

Each year Mrs. Groman selects a theme based on special anniversaries or events.

“Sometimes we honor an author on his birthday or plan a theme around a school event,” she said.  Past themes have included Arthur, Mother Goose, Curious George and Dr. Seuss.  The NEA’s Read Across America Day is celebrated annually on March 2, Dr. Seuss’ birthday.

This year, thanks to PTO PJ Storyhour Chairman, Valerie Sullivan, LMES became the Hundred Acre Wood where Winnie and Tigger, the classic characters from A.A. Milne’s stories and poems, welcomed families for an evening of storytelling. 

The silly old bear and his bouncing friend were played with enthusiasm by LMES teachers Beverly Poulin and Louise Porter-Hahn, respectively, who graciously posed for photos beneath a honey tree. 

School Principal, Richard Gusenburg, kicked off the evening, in his football slippers, with a story and slide show presentation for all.  Students, attired in pajamas, robes and slippers, cuddled beside their favorite stuffed friends and live ones.

Throughout the night parents, grandparents and invited guests read Winnie the Pooh classics along with other personal favorites for students in kindergarten through third grade.  Fourth and fifth graders were treated to scary stories in the dark, huddled around an electric camp fire. 

Siblings who have long left LMES, returned for a night of fun at their old elementary school and some even read to younger students.  Now a 6th grader at Memorial Middle School, Claire B. shared the evening with her younger brother.  “I love P.J. Story Hour,” said Claire.  “When else can you come to school in such a casual way and hear a story you may never have heard before.”  Indeed, it was a “beary” special evening for all.