Storybook forest has nothing on Carmichaels Area School District. Just ask any of the children (or their equally wide-eyed guardians) who attended the district’s Halloween “Once Upon a Story” event on Tuesday, October 28. High school students under the direction of Mrs. Cassie Menhart, the middle and high school librarian, dressed in fairytale costumes and staffed the story walk along the elementary school’s walking track on a chilly, moonlit evening.
Participating children advanced through a circuit of nursery rhymes, fables, and fairy tales narrated by the high school actors by “candlelight” who then led a corresponding activity and provided a treat or take-home item, whether some porridge from the three bears or some good, old fashioned Halloween candy. Giddy children were seen taking flight with the cow jumping over the moon, getting dizzy while encircling friends at “Ring Around the Rosy, or dancing to fiddle music with one storybook cat.
Carmichaels is proud to offer events where kids and their families can engage with one another in fun activities that foster reading, coordination, and cooperation.
Children, young and old, were touched by this event, a testament to the fact that a few simple materials and a common goal can produce fun for the whole family. Even school administration and teachers were found partaking in the merriment. It is said that giving is more blessed than receiving, and the same sentiment was found among the high school volunteers who unanimously stated they hope to host a similar event on the trail during the Christmas season.
