Shiloh Cluster hosts Title I Early Literacy “Night of Play”

     On an evening in late October, Shiloh High School’s commons area was the center of activity and connection. At the Title I Early Literacy “Night of Play” event, Shiloh Cluster families enjoyed a presentation focused on parents as their child’s first and best teachers, and had access to several community-based organizations.

     Practical, free, and simple strategies for engaging with their children were shared, focusing on supporting their child’s brain development at different ages and stages to support kindergarten readiness. Community resources and exhibitors included:

• Briscoe Park
• City of Snellville
• Cornerstone Unlimited Martial Arts
• Girl Scouts
• The GCPS Early Learning and School Readiness Team
• Gwinnett County Government’s Building Brains (B2) Anywhere
• The Shiloh Elementary Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO)
• Snellville Performing Arts
• Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

     Nikki Conway, a Shiloh Elementary teacher, worked with local and county partners to coordinate the cluster-wide event. “My main goal was to put resources in the hands of families,” she says. “I also work part-time for Snellville Parks and Recreation, and I come across so many families and parents that are in need of food, clothing, and housing assistance, who simply don't know who to reach out to. This event allowed me to get as many resources as possible into one space for our families to interact with and gain information to simply restore hope in our community.”

     While parents explored educational resources and visited various vendors, children engaged in fun activities designed by the Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) Early Learning and School Readiness Team and the Gwinnett County Government’s Building Brains Anywhere Team. These hands-on games and activities supported academic and motor skill development, and many could easily be recreated at home.

     “Many families shared that they were not previously aware of Play 2 Learn or the Gwinnett Building Babies’ Brains early learning initiative,” says GCPS Coordinator of Early Learning and School Readiness Stacy Lord. “This event provided an opportunity for families to learn additional ways to support their child and access free, high-quality resources and programs right here in Gwinnett!”

     The event also helped families learn more about opportunities to involve their children in free and low-cost activities. “Payment is the biggest barrier,” says Shari Cumming, Shiloh Elementary PTO member and parent. “There are financial plans that can help, and we’re looking for people to be involved and share their time.”

     Conway adds, “The family's feedback was incredible. They were so grateful and blessed to have the resources they needed and to be able to ask questions without having to wait on a phone call or [communicate] via email.”