Cuero ISD Literacy Lounge

This December, the school libraries are filled with holiday cheer, offering a wonderful array of Magical Monday events that bring students and families together to celebrate the season. Young readers have been exploring classic stories such as "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," "Santa is Coming to Texas," and "Santa's Lost Reindeer." Art sessions have allowed students to create reindeer ornaments and paint Santa on small canvases. STEM activities included Lego builds, Play-Doh creations, and candy cane construction challenges, which kept their imaginations buzzing. In addition, personalized Christmas stockings were made, and the cozy tradition of "A Charlie Brown Christmas" featured a hot cocoa bar, cookies, and candy canes.

The fun continued with stocking decorating, Christmas Bingo, and a party that included holiday movies, hot cocoa popcorn, and festive treats. The atmosphere was filled with warmth and camaraderie during events like Cricut Christmas Gift Night, cookie decorating, Christmas crafts, and tree decorating. Students enjoyed reading holiday classics aloud while sipping hot cocoa and indulging in cookies and marshmallows, all while sharing the spirit of the season. Across all campuses, the libraries transformed into magical spaces filled with joy, creativity, and community celebration.

In our ongoing commitment to elevate the digital learning experience for our students, we have invested in Apple TVs for our classroom teachers. This state-of-the-art technology facilitates effortless content projection onto the classroom board, transforming traditional lessons into engaging visual experiences. With these innovative devices, literature springs to life in novel ways; teachers can craft dynamic presentations that draw students into the story, conduct interactive reading sessions that encourage participation, and employ visual storytelling techniques that capture students’ imaginations. This integration of advanced technology not only enriches the educational atmosphere but also cultivates a deeper appreciation for literature, fostering enhanced understanding and enthusiasm among our students.

Excitement is in the air at John C. French, Hunt Elementary, and Cuero Junior High as brand-new book vending machines take center stage! These bright and inviting machines, filled with an array of colorful books for all ages, have become the talk of the schools. Unlike ordinary vending machines, these dispense the magic of stories instead of snacks. Students are thrilled to receive special tokens as rewards for achievements, good behavior, or acts of kindness. With eager anticipation, they insert their tokens and watch as their chosen book drops, giving them a brand-new treasure to keep and enjoy. The machines are more than just a source of free books—they are gateways to adventure, sparking a love for reading and empowering students to explore new worlds, all while fostering a sense of accomplishment and joy.

John C. French Elementary is brimming with holiday cheer this December, offering a magical lineup of activities that bring joy and creativity to students. The month kicks off with a festive read-aloud of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer", filling the library with the warmth of Rudolph’s timeless story. In the art corner, a flurry of creativity unfolds as students enthusiastically craft delightful reindeer ornaments. With colorful paints, glitter, and other craft supplies scattered about, the young artists let their imaginations soar. Meanwhile, the STEM station buzzes with energy, where students eagerly engage in building imaginative structures using Legos and Play-Doh, their laughter echoing as they collaborate on ambitious designs.

As the calendar approaches mid-December, students dive into the enchanting story of "Santa is Coming to Texas." This charming tale adds a delightful Lone Star twist to holiday traditions. Inspired by the narrative, the children bring Santa to life on small canvases, painting his cheerful figure with bright colors that reflect the warmth of their excitement. They then tackle a fun candy cane building challenge, carefully stacking vibrant red and white candies into whimsical festive structures, each creation telling its own sweet story. The month reaches its joyful peak with a cozy Frosty the Snowman pajama party. Wrapped in their favorite PJs, students gather to sip on steaming cups of hot cocoa, adorned with fluffy marshmallows, and indulge in delicious cookies. As they settle in for an enchanting evening, the atmosphere fills with stories that spark laughter and imagination, creating a magical tapestry of holiday spirit. December at JCF is a true celebration of creativity, laughter, and the joy of the season!

At John C. French Library, the RIF (Reading is Fun) program infuses vibrant energy into the school’s literacy initiatives, inspiring young minds to embrace the joy of reading. Through engaging activities, interactive storytelling, and a carefully curated selection of books, students discover the magic of words and imagination. The program fosters a love of reading by making it accessible and exciting for all learners. Teachers and volunteers work together to create an enthusiastic atmosphere, transforming the act of choosing a book into a cherished experience. RIF at John C. French Elementary Library is not just about reading; it’s about building a community of lifelong learners and igniting a passion that extends far beyond the classroom. At the event, students had the opportunity to select and receive free books to continue their reading journey.

The Hunt Elementary Library radiated with holiday cheer throughout December, transforming into a vibrant hub of festive activities for students and their families. The month kicked off with an enchanting read-aloud of "Santa's Lost Reindeer," capturing the imaginations of young listeners and filling the air with excitement for the season ahead. In a delightful hands-on craft session, students eagerly decorated their very own Christmas stockings, sprinkling them with unique personal touches and creative flair that reflected their individual spirits. The atmosphere buzzed with laughter and joy as each child’s stocking came to life with festive colors and patterns. The library also organized a delightful screening of "A Trash Truck Christmas," where families gathered for an enjoyable time together. Complementing this, ornament-making kits were provided, inviting participants to indulge in the creative process and craft unique festive decorations that could adorn their homes for the holidays. A special highlight of the month was a Parent Education session led by the ever-inspiring Mrs. Scott. Families were welcomed into a warm and nurturing environment, where they received invaluable resources to support their children’s learning and growth.

Children, families, and staff gathered together, snuggled in their seats with cocoa in hand, eager to relive the heartwarming tale of Charlie Brown and his journey to find the true meaning of Christmas. Laughter and joy filled the air as beloved characters appeared on the screen, reminding everyone of the spirit of the season. This cozy gathering did more than just provide entertainment; it fostered a sense of community and togetherness among the Hunt Elementary families. As the credits rolled and the final notes of the music played, smiles lit up the faces of the audience, creating lasting memories. This wonderful experience truly encapsulated the essence of the holidays, leaving everyone with their hearts warmed and spirits lifted.

During the enchanting month of December, the Cuero Junior High Library blossomed into a vibrant hub of creativity and festive cheer, beckoning students to indulge in an array of engaging activities. The air was filled with laughter and excitement as students immersed themselves in crafting delightful holiday ornaments, meticulously designing shimmering diamond art pieces and colorful bracelets. They also embraced the winter spirit by creating whimsical signs that captured the essence of the season.The library was not only a place for artistic expression but also a supportive environment for academic pursuits. Students eagerly sought one-on-one assistance for their Science Fair projects, diligently putting the finishing touches on their innovative ideas to prepare for the upcoming local Science Fair.

As the month unfolded, another highlight emerged: the crafting of dazzling diamond art keychains and the imaginative construction of personalized snow globes. These projects ignited the students' creativity, infusing the space with an atmosphere brimming with holiday spirit. The festive celebrations reached their pinnacle during a lively Christmas party, which transformed the library into a winter wonderland. Students gathered to play spirited rounds of Christmas Bingo, revel in classic holiday movies, and enjoy steaming mugs of hot cocoa paired with buttery popcorn. The joy was palpable as students decorated their own Christmas stockings, each one a unique representation of their personality and holiday hope. In every corner of the library, fun, creativity, and a sense of community intertwined, showcasing the true magic of the season and creating lasting memories for all who participated.

In December, the Cuero High School Library fully embraced the holiday spirit by organizing an array of festive events that fostered creativity and camaraderie among students. The month kicked off with an exciting Cricut Night, a special gathering where participants unleashed their artistic talents to craft personalized Christmas gifts. Using the popular cutting machine, students designed and created unique ornaments, eye-catching signs, and decorative bags that would surely spread joy to their loved ones. To enhance the holiday atmosphere, students rallied together to decorate the library's Christmas tree. They brought their handmade crafts, which ranged from intricate paper snowflakes to colorful garlands, each adding a warm and personal touch to the festive display. This collaborative project not only illuminated the library with holiday cheer but also symbolized the unity of the student body.

Throughout the month, the library hosted several delightful events, including a cookie-decorating session where students had fun icing and embellishing an assortment of Christmas cookies. The sweet aroma of freshly baked treats filled the air as laughter and camaraderie resonated throughout the library. In addition, students engaged in various creative Christmas crafts that allowed them to showcase their artistic skills, from making holiday cards to designing festive decorations. To further enhance the festive season, the library curated cozy gatherings that featured classic Christmas movies, hot cocoa, and an array of delicious cookies. These get-togethers provided students with a relaxing space to unwind and socialize while enjoying seasonal favorites on the big screen. Each gathering nurtured a sense of belonging and community among the attendees. Moreover, participants had the chance to decorate their own Christmas stockings, adding personal flair to this beloved holiday tradition. In addition, group read-aloud sessions of cherished Christmas books brought stories to life, allowing students to share in the magic of holiday tales. These sessions not only fostered a love for reading but also created lasting memories filled with laughter and joy. Overall, December at the Cuero High School Library was a vibrant celebration of creativity, community, and the holiday spirit.

Our team had a wonderful experience participating in the Christmas in Downtown event, where we spread holiday cheer in a meaningful way. Our tables were beautifully decorated for the occasion as we distributed a variety of enchanting books that invited children to explore magical tales and stories that spark their imaginations. Equally engaging was the craft station, where children could create their own unique ornaments, surrounded by gems and colorful markers that inspired their creativity. It was an absolute joy to watch their faces light up with excitement as they crafted one-of-a-kind decorations, each reflecting their individual personalities and artistic flair. The air was filled with laughter and the sweet sounds of holiday music, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that embraced the festive spirit. This event was not just a celebration of the season; it served as a precious opportunity to connect with our community, share cherished moments, and bring genuine smiles to families during this magical time of year.

The holiday season was in full swing here at the Early Learning Program! This month, we created photo ornament keepsakes, decorated cookies, and enjoyed a special visit from Santa! We ended the last class of 2024 with our Holiday Party which included treats, goodie bags, and a wrapped mystery book! Our families and children engaged in fun activities at the library, including role play, games, and storytelling. Throughout the month, we focused on the color yellow and practiced counting to five. We happily welcomed new families while cherishing the familiar faces of those returning. We look forward to building new friendships when classes resume January 8th, 2025.

Cuero ISD is committed to promoting literacy and a love for reading among all members of the community. As part of this effort, the district offered free books to families visiting the Cuero Medical Clinic and Parkside Family Clinic. The initiative was a great success, and families were thrilled to have access to a wide range of age-appropriate books. The bookshelves in the waiting rooms were stocked with a variety of books ranging from 0 to pre-K level, providing families with plenty of options to choose from. The district also offered families the opportunity to register for the Imagination Library and sign up for information about the Cuero ISD Early Learning Program.

During the festive holiday season, we actively participated in various community events aimed at spreading joy and fostering a love for reading. One of our most cherished activities was the distribution of free books, available in both English and bilingual formats, ensuring accessibility for all families. A highlight was the vibrant Christmas Bazaar organized by our Special Education department, which provided a wonderful opportunity to connect with even more families in our community. This event allowed us to gift special holiday-themed books, adding a touch of literary magic to the season for everyone involved. At John C. French, we hosted the delightful "Reading Is Fun" book giveaway, where students enjoyed holiday-themed Christmas books. We also attended the John C. French sing-along, where we handed out free books and materials on dialogical reading. Hunt Elementary participated in wrapping books as if they were precious Christmas gifts, distributing them to students.

Additionally, we were excited to provide free books to children participating in the DeWitt Deputy Santa and Blue Santa programs, giving them the opportunity to enjoy wonderful stories during the holiday break. We also attended the HEB Santa event to distribute more free books. Our commitment to promoting literacy continued at Christmas Downtown, where we not only handed out books but also engaged students in creative activities, such as crafting ornaments that added a personal touch to the holiday festivities.

Overall, the book distribution program was a great success, and we are proud to be able to provide free resources to families in our community. Over 4,850 books were distributed during the month of November for children and their families to start or add to their very own personal library!

Book counts are as follows:

• Cuero ISD PK-5th Grade Students: 791 Books
  
• Cuero ISD Emergent Bilingual PK-5: 48 Books
• Medical Clinics Mobile Book Stations : 310 Books
• Magical Mondays: 385 books
• Community Outreach Books: 2,735 books
• Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Program (children ages 0-4): 371 Books
• Early Learning Program (children ages 0-3): 213 Books

Ruby Rodriguez, M.Ed. ~ Director of Special Programs

Katy Botello ~ Literacy Coach

Deanna Guajardo~ Literacy Coach Aide

Charlene Murphree, M.Ed. ~ Literacy Coach Assistant

Stephanie Sanders ~ John C. French Library Manager

Bonnie Garza ~ Hunt Library Manager

Jessie Salazar ~ Junior High Library Manager

Marie Galloway ~ High School Library Manager

Website: cueroisd.org
Location: 960 East Broadway Street, Cuero, TX, USA
Phone: 361-275-1900
Facebook: www.facebook.com/cueroisd