Elmsford's Dixson School Celebrates Reading with Fun Initiative

Dixson School Principal Jeffrey Olender helps an Elmsford youngster make a wish to put into her stuffed animal

What kid doesn’t like getting a stuffed animal? That was the idea behind a fun initiative held at the Dixson School Dec. 13, with the ultimate intention of encouraging youngsters to read.

Held in the school’s cafeteria, the children, accompanied by their parents or other caregivers, were asked to sign in, pick a “buddy” and then stuff it. After that was done, it was time to choose and make a wish from several heart-shaped pieces of felt located on a nearby table.

Principal Jeffrey Olender, with help from Board Trustee Candice Wood, gleefully helped each little boy and girl make their own special wish by choosing one of the felt pieces labeled: love, best friends, courage and kindness.

“Ready to make some magic?” he asked one boy. “Pick out a wish, close your hand and make a fist, and don’t let it get away.”

“It’s hard to catch magic once it gets away,” Mr. Olender cautioned. As the youngster closed his eyes and counted 1, 2, 3, it was only then determined that the wish was safely inside his cuddly toy.

The children moved on to the next station where they pretended to give their buddy a bath as high school volunteers looked on. It was time to dress the toy and sign the official certificate of adoption.

Downstairs, teachers awaited as the excited youngsters filed in with their newly found friends. The children had the opportunity to choose a book and then read it with their parents and siblings.

All of the books were donated by the community.

“This is an example of how Elmsford is an amazing place,” said Principal Jeffrey Olender. “To see parents, community members, staff and students all coming together around a reading-focused event is truly inspiring. These are the things we look forward to!