Young Readers Take the Lead at Pajarito Elementary

Students host a "Readers Restaurant" where families enjoy stories served in English and Spanish.

The cafeteria at Pajarito Elementary recently turned into a restaurant with a special menu: stories read by students.

During the school’s “Readers Restaurant” event, young readers welcomed their families to a dining-style experience complete with menus and table settings. Instead of ordering food, guests were treated to something just as meaningful as students proudly read books aloud to them.

Throughout the evening, students served as hosts, guiding their families through the experience and sharing their literacy skills in both English and Spanish. The event celebrated reading, family engagement and the confidence students gain when they share their voices.

For many families, it was a chance to see their children shine as readers while enjoying a creative and memorable night together at school.

About APS Community Schools
With almost 70 Community Schools across the district, APS and the ABC Community School Partnership are building a network of schools that serve as community hubs. By weaving together rigorous classroom instruction, expanded learning opportunities, integrated support systems, and the voices of families and students in decision-making, these schools create conditions where every child can learn, grow and thrive.