Nearly 100 first-grade students and their parents attended a “Fancy Nancy, Dapper Dan” PIE (Partners In Education) night that was held at Hawthorne and Halverson elementary schools on March 15.

The program, aimed at providing students with greater access to books and promoting reading at home, is funded by a generous grant from the Education Foundation of Albert Lea. The March extravaganza celebrated vocabulary, a fancy way to say words! Students, parents and teachers were dressed in their finest attire!

Each event includes a story presented to students and parents by Albert Lea first-grade teachers that is designed to model a specific reading strategy. Next a presentation is shared with parents about the featured reading strategy and at the same time students choose a free book and swap gently used books.

The evening concludes with a writing activity, lots of great prizes and snacks. The third PIE event of the year will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. April 19 at Lakeview Elementary School. Fliers will be sent home on March 30. Parents are encouraged to RSVP and attend this fun and free event! It is open to all first-grade students and their families. Sibling child care is available.