Dream Big Grants in Action: Pizza Time Read Night

It’s Pizza Time Read Night Serves Up a Slice of Literacy & Family Fun at Iles Elementary School

By: Katie Rodemich ’02

On a night filled with the irresistible aroma of pizza and the excitement of turning pages, Iles Elementary School hosted its much-anticipated It’s Pizza Time Read Night—a family-focused literacy event made possible through a $1,500 grant from the Quincy Public Schools Foundation in the fall of 2024, along with strong school support. With more than 300 students, parents, and educators in attendance, the evening highlighted the school’s commitment to cultivating literacy and building meaningful connections between home and school.

“This was the most well-attended evening event we have had this school year! Everyone enjoyed it!” said Brad Funkenbusch, Principal at Iles.

“It’s Pizza Time Read Night was a huge success!” said Kathy Womack, second-grade teacher and event organizer. “It was incredible to see more than 300 people come together to celebrate reading. The turnout exceeded my expectations—we nearly ran out of pizza!”

Spearheaded by Womack, the event featured multiple interactive, literacy-based stations designed to engage students and their families in joyful, hands-on reading and writing experiences. Children received chef hats and aprons, becoming “literacy chefs” as they moved from station to station, completing activities with their families.

The students were all smiles as they rotated through the stations. Womack shared that what made it even more special was seeing parents right there with them—reading, writing, and laughing together.

At each station, every student completed one component of a larger activity, so by the end of the night, each participant had a fully assembled project—along with a slice of pizza, cookies, and a soda in hand.

Families were free to move at their own pace and could enjoy refreshments whenever they liked, creating a relaxed and welcoming environment. Womack coordinated with teachers and staff to plan and execute the event, with colleagues supporting setup, station management, and cleanup.

“Staff worked together to set up and tear down the event, as well as lead stations throughout the building,” said Funkenbusch, reflecting a strong culture of collaboration and shared investment in student success.

While the event was undeniably fun, it also had clear educational goals. Two stations were dedicated to reading and writing tasks that reinforced core literacy skills through engaging, hands-on activities. Each student left with a free book about pizza and a sense of pride in their creative accomplishments. The book fair was also open, giving families another opportunity to explore new titles and cultivate a love of reading at home.

“The students always love receiving new books. They were also excited to get the chef’s hat and aprons. It was a nice touch to make the evening special,” said Womack.

When asked which station was the most popular, Womack noted that because of the event’s structure, students experienced each station equally.

“I’m not sure if there was a station that was more popular because of the way we set it up. Each student had to make one part of their project at each station for a completed project by the end. Of course, the food is always popular!”

To ensure ease and accessibility, the stations were arranged in pods and throughout the cafeteria.

“We spaced out the stations in pods and the cafeteria, and they were easily accessible to all.”

Families appreciated the freedom to participate at their own pace.

“Students and parents moved through each station as they finished, and they could choose to eat at any time during the night,” Womack added.

“The more positive experiences students and families have around literacy, the more likely they are to continue them,” added Funkenbusch. “It is always good for students to see their families interacting positively and that reading is not only something to be done and worked on at school.”

Feedback from families was overwhelmingly enthusiastic.

“All families reported having a great time and were thankful for the evening,” said Funkenbusch. “We hope the lasting impression this event left on students is a love and enjoyment of reading.”

Parents echoed those sentiments with appreciation.

“Our parents are always complimentary and thankful for parent events,” shared Womack.

A major factor in the event’s success was the supportive grant provided by the Quincy Public Schools Foundation, which, along with additional school support, made it possible to offer high-quality materials, books, and food—all at no cost to families.

“Thanks to the grant—and additional support from our school—we were able to do all the special items such as food, aprons and chef hats,” said Womack. They were excited to get the chef’s hat and aprons. It was a nice touch to make the evening special.”

“Families know the importance of literacy. This event helps build that connection between school and their home,” said Funkenbusch.

Both Womack and Funkenbusch view the night as more than a single success—they see it as the beginning of continued growth in family engagement through literacy.

“Anytime an opportunity is given to a child to read and receive books, it makes them want to read more,” Womack emphasized.

Looking ahead, Iles Elementary hopes to build on the momentum this event created.

“More grants to provide these family nights will help encourage students and parents to make reading a priority!” Womack said.

“We will continue to have Read Nights and provide activities that are engaging and continue to foster reading,” Funkenbusch added.

With additional resources, the team hopes to introduce even more innovative ideas to enhance future events.

It’s Pizza Time Read Night was more than just a school event—it was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when schools and families come together to celebrate learning. At its heart were Kathy Womack and the educators of Iles Elementary School, whose creativity, care, and leadership brought the evening to life. Fueled by their shared vision, the dedication of the Iles staff, and a generous grant from the Quincy Public Schools Foundation, the event offered students and families a joyful blend of literacy, connection, and community.

With books in hand, smiles on faces, and a stronger connection between home and school, the night left a lasting impression. As Iles Elementary continues to cultivate a culture of literacy, events like this serve as a reminder: reading doesn’t just build skills—it builds relationships, confidence, and lifelong habits.

“Thank you so much for being part of our Read Night Activity and helping us share the love of reading with our students and families!”
— Kathy Womack

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