Students Reel in Rewards: Pajama Day Celebration Makes a Splash

Sunset Elementary students and staff spent a cozy afternoon Friday, reading incredible books together as part of an all-school celebration that the students earned as a reward for making good choices and demonstrating other positive behaviors.

In some Sockeye classrooms, teachers read aloud to students, while in others, students read alone or in pairs. Other students read to stuffed animals, such as a beautiful calico cat named "Caramel." As part of the celebration, students and staff were invited to wear pajamas to school.

Principal LeAnn Tuupo made a special appearance in some classes to read "Fitting In," a book about building community.

And, in Martin Merrill's fifth grade class just before the reading celebration began, students were working on informative essays. Each student chose someone they consider to be an influential person in American history.

Sophie, who selected Amelia Earhart, said "I liked her because of her bravery in flying around the world. She's a woman of character."

Her tablemate, Adithi, chose Susan B. Anthony. "I felt like she was really inspirational for women. She gave me the spark of curiosity to see what she did."