Pirates, Phonics, and Family Fun

Pierce Terrace Elementary School (PTES) transformed into a lively pirate adventure this past Thursday, as first-grade students and their families gathered for the engaging, interactive “Treasure Your Learning” event. Designed to strengthen the connection between school and home, the after-school experience blended academic skills with hands-on fun—complete with eye patches and a pirate-themed atmosphere that delighted students from start to finish.

From the moment families arrived, the excitement was clear. Students proudly wore pirate eye patches as they rotated through learning stations led by the first-grade teaching team. The event focused on reinforcing key reading and math skills in creative and memorable ways, allowing families to see firsthand how learning happens in the classroom.

One of the highlights of the evening was “Phonics with Movement,” led by first-grade teachers Mr. Brian Raye and Roland Benavidez. The fast-paced, highly engaging activity had students actively connecting sounds to movement, reinforcing phonics skills through kinesthetic learning. The session was so dynamic that many parents chose to step back and watch their children in action, observing their confidence and independence as they participated.

Another station, “Sound Mapping Sight Words,” presented by Monica Trojanowski and Jessica Lacey, focused on helping students break down and decode frequently used words. This strategy supports reading fluency and comprehension, equipping students with the tools to recognize and understand words more efficiently.

Math skills were also brought to life through “Walk the Plank,” led by Heather Mihuta. In this activity, students practiced number sense, mental math, and flexible thinking as they solved problems in a fun, pirate-themed setting. The interactive approach encouraged students to think strategically while building confidence in their mathematical abilities.

The event was made possible not only by the first-grade team but also by additional staff members who helped guide families, distribute materials, and kept the event running smoothly. From handing out pirate eye patches to serving white cheddar puffs at the end of the evening, staff worked together to create a welcoming and memorable experience for all.

Families expressed appreciation for both the creativity and the purpose behind the event. Parent Charles Watret shared, “It’s awesome to see him enjoy his time here,” reflecting the joy many students experienced. Parent Katie Bascome added, “It’s fun with the kids’ stuff and doing things right after school—it makes it special for her.”

To further support learning at home, a table of resources was available for parents. The handouts included recommended reading materials organized by reading level, along with suggested books available at local libraries. These resources provided families with practical tools to continue building their children’s skills beyond the classroom.

By combining academic instruction with engaging, themed activities, the “Treasure Your Learning” event demonstrated how meaningful learning experiences can be both effective and enjoyable. At PTES, events like this reinforce the importance of family involvement and show that when students, teachers, and parents work together, learning truly becomes an adventure.