On one of the coldest days just ahead of the official start of winter, ECP and HES students spent Friday morning with soft plushies, fleece blankets, and their favorite pajamas—with a book in hand to make the cozy moment complete.
This long-held tradition goes back many years at HES, and it remains one that junior Falcons continue to cherish. The dedicated hour of reading began as a Scholastic-sponsored event and has since evolved into an annual celebration that Mr. Mastrangelo continued even after the national program ended.
“It’s a great way to spend time together,” said Mr. Mastrangelo. “Whether I’m reading to students or they are reading individually or with a friend, it’s wonderful to experience the joy in dropping everything to get lost in a book.”
Mr. Mastrangelo began the hour by reading aloud to students, sharing a selection of holiday-themed books that set a warm, festive tone. Adorned with string lights, the multi-purpose area in the third-grade wing resembled a slumber party—minus the pillow fights. “A calm atmosphere creates the perfect conditions for reading engagement,” he said. “And students lean into the moment.”
In the gymnasium, spread out among their classmates, some ECP and elementary students read together in small groups while others read independently. Their student-chosen books ranged from classics to graphic novels to chapter books. The room was so quiet and focused that making requests for quotes would have felt like breaking a sacred reading spell.
It was a simple, cozy reminder of the joy that comes from slowing down with a good book.