Fun Family Literacy Night at Aviano Elementary School: A thrilling Amazon adventure

Aviano Elementary School recently held its third Fun Family Literacy Night, and it was another resounding success. More than 100 families participated in an Amazon Rainforest-themed adventure, complete with engaging literacy challenges, creativity, and teamwork. The event has quickly become a beloved tradition, bringing students, parents, and teachers together for an evening of fun and learning.
Families entered the "Amazon Rainforest" and, in a creative twist, found themselves "lost" in the jungle, where they worked together to navigate a series of literacy-based challenges.
From decoding clues to solving reading puzzles, participants tested their literacy skills while embracing the spirit of exploration. Students also created miniature models of the rainforest, including a green boa constrictor made from fruit — an impressive display of creativity that enhanced the jungle atmosphere.

The event was coordinated by the school’s literacy interventionists, Rachel Schaul and Janice Cottingham, who organized the evening’s activities and ensured everything ran smoothly. Their passion for inspiring a love of reading was evident in every aspect of the event.
"It’s always wonderful to see families come together and engage with literacy in such a fun and interactive way," Schaul said.
Cottingham added, "We’re thrilled that this event continues to grow and strengthen our school community."
This year’s Fun Family Literacy Night was particularly memorable, marking the third year of the event and proving that each year it continues to grow in both size and excitement. Families of all ages embraced the rainforest-themed challenges, demonstrating that reading and learning are even more enjoyable when shared. The atmosphere was filled with energy as families worked through the "rainforest obstacles" and celebrated each success.
A special thank you goes out to the Aviano High School volunteers for their invaluable assistance, as well as Shawna Haas for her contributions in making the night even more magical.

“We couldn’t be more grateful to our volunteers and all the families who joined us,” said the event coordinators. “This event is such a wonderful reminder of how important it is to foster a love of literacy, and Fun Family Literacy Night does exactly that.”
As the night concluded, families reflected on the incredible adventures they had shared and the literacy skills they had strengthened. With a mix of adventure, learning, and community spirit, Aviano Elementary’s Fun Family Literacy Night is already anticipated for next year. Here’s to many more years of fun, exploration, and a love for literacy!
This unforgettable night not only built literacy skills but also strengthened the school community, making it a true highlight of the year at Aviano Elementary.