Shining a spotlight on literacy

NORWALK — Families gathered under clear skies Monday evening at Contractor's Field for "Reading Under the Lights," an annual Norwalk Schools tradition that blends literacy with community spirit. Now in its fifth year, the program has become a late-summer fixture. Parents and children spread blankets across the football field, reading together between activities. Students worked their way through a series of literacy stations, collecting punches on a card. After eight punches, they were rewarded with a free event T-shirt. The night's biggest draw was Chomps, the Cleveland Browns' mascot. Children crowded around for photos, high-fives and hugs, with many saying they had been waiting all week to meet him. "I really can't wait to meet Chomps, I've been waiting all week," one fifth grader said. Superintendent Brad Cooley stood near the stadium entrance, greeting families throughout the night. "This is a great night out, a wonderful program for the entire community," Cooley said. Pleasant Elementary Principal Janice Smith, who is retiring at the end of this year, reflected on the event's beginnings. "We started this five years ago and every year a different principal takes control of planning the event," Smith said. "It's really cool that I had the first one, and now I planned the last one in my career." The evening had a festival-like feel, with younger children darting from station to station and parents chatting in the stands. High school football players tossed the ball with younger kids, adding another layer of excitement. "Man, this is really cool," said one fourth grader, pausing between plays. "I get to hang out with the older kids and I can learn about football and reading." Organizers said the program is designed to remind families that reading doesn't stop at the classroom door. By hosting the event at the football stadium, it connects books with school pride, athletics and community traditions. As families drifted out at the end of the night, students carried home books, T-shirts and memories.