Halloween Read-A-Thon

This year's Reading Railroad Halloween Read-A-Thon was a great success with over 300 kids attending the annual event. First, the kids were greeted at the door and received instructions regarding the night. Next, kids and their families created a craft in the art room. Then they trick-or-treated down the hallways, making many stops along the way where high school volunteers waited with treats like candy, pretzels, lollipops, and juice boxes. Then the kids were given the option to go into classrooms and watch storybook plays performed by Reading Railroad members. The titles of the books are The Crayons Trick or Treat, The Night Before Halloween, Big Pumpkin, It's Raining Bats and Frogs, and Five Spooky Ghosts. Next, brave kids and their families walked through the library transformed into a terrifying insane-asylum-themed Haunted House. Finally, families played games in the cafeteria, purchased baked goods and other snacks to benefit the organization, and all students received a free book before they left for the night.  

Mrs. Kariotis, the club's sponsor, said that "90 high school students and 18 middle school students" volunteered to help run the event. Senior Reece Kennedy's job was passing out candy to the kids. When asked about his favorite parts of the night, he said, "The Haunted House was a very cool feature, and seeing all the kids happy after getting candy." Mrs. Stell's sons, Troy and Mason, said their favorite parts of the night were watching the live book story about the naked crayon from the book, The Crayons Go Trick or Treating. They also enjoyed getting the free books at the end. Troy read his new book, We Need More Nuts, seven times later that night!

Mrs. Brooke Miller, Stewart Elementary teacher, said "Yet another spooktacular Halloween Read-a-Thon from the Reading Railroad crew! The 'Insane Asylum' was insane and even better than past years, as many of the children came out looking terrified - my son Grayson especially, thanks to Addy Landowski! Each classroom had an amazing group of readers. The laughter from the crayon story was well worth the wait! The Read-A-Thon is always such an enjoyable night because of the student volunteers who make the night such a success. These students are involved in many activities for BHS and outside of school, but still make time to give back to others. I always look forward to seeing my former students. And Mrs. Kariotis, your hard work, organization, and dedication does not go unnoticed. THANK YOU!"

Dr. Autumn Turk, Director of Curriculum & Development, said, "The Reading Railroad Halloween Read-a-Thon was such a fun night for our Burrell families! It was a joy to see our high school and middle school students acting out stories, playing games with the kids, handing out treats in festive costumes, and even giving a scare or two in the haunted library! Our younger daughters loved every minute of it and our older daughter enjoyed volunteering with the games. Thank you to all those who dedicated their time and energy into making it such a special night - and a shout-out to all the students and families who attended! 

Morgan Oberlin, Virtual Learning Case Manager, said, "The library transformation was 'Spooktacular.' The students did a creepy, well-done job. I can only imagine that most of the psychiatric inmates (students) do not have voices after all that shrieking! My 1st and 3rd grade daughters loved it. Me too. It's an awesome event."

Writing Contributors: Caden Lindo-Canfield

Photo & Video Contributors: Hannah Brooks, Alanna Miller, Mrs. Kariotis, Mrs. Aranyos