Lincoln School was filled with excitement on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, as families gathered for a vibrant zoo-themed Family Literacy and Math Night in celebration of Read Across America Week. The event, organized by Laura Forrestal and Maggie Gonzalez, brought together students, families, and volunteers for an evening focused on strengthening early reading and math skills through fun, hands-on activities.
The event was made possible through a $5,000 New Jersey Education Association PEP (Public Education Partnership) Grant, which the teachers successfully applied for earlier this year. Their initiative and leadership helped transform Lincoln School’s Multipurpose Room into an interactive learning hub featuring 26 engaging stations designed to reinforce foundational literacy and numeracy concepts for young learners.
Families moved from station to station participating in activities that encouraged early reading skills, storytelling, counting, problem-solving, and playful exploration of numbers and words. Each activity was designed to be both educational and accessible, giving parents practical ideas they could continue using at home.
The evening also showcased the power of community collaboration. A total of 21 teacher volunteers supported the event, alongside 26 student volunteers, 17 of whom came from Westfield High School, to help guide families and assist younger students. Their enthusiasm helped create a welcoming and energetic atmosphere throughout the school.
Approximately 80 families attended the celebration, filling classrooms and hallways with laughter, learning, and shared experiences. The evening highlighted the importance of family involvement in education and demonstrated how schools and communities can work together to inspire a lifelong love of reading and math in young learners.