West Point Elementary Hosts Festive Storybook Parade
Dressed as wizards, crayons and adventurous pups, students at West Point Elementary School paraded around the campus bus loop on Oct. 31, transforming a crisp fall morning into a celebration of stories and imagination during the annual Storybook Character Parade.
The event, sponsored by the school's Information Center and now a cherished tradition, drew participants from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. Led by Principal Angela Clouse and teachers, the young marchers carried signs and books highlighting their chosen characters, showcasing lessons learned in class about how challenges shape actions and relationships in literature.
The atmosphere buzzed with energy as costumes ranged from Officer Knight in the "Dog Man" series and Pippi Longstocking to crayons from "The Day the Crayons Quit" and Harry Potter's Hermione Granger and Harry himself. Teachers and staff joined in, embodying figures from classics like "Goldilocks and the Three Bears," Laura Numeroff's "If You Give" series, "The Three Little Pigs," "Clark the Shark" and "Pete the Cat."
Adding to the festivities, the middle school band — directed by teacher Megan Reifenberg and featuring former elementary students also in costume — provided lively music, bridging generations within the school community.
Events like this parade play a vital role in DoDEA schools, where military-connected families often face a variety of unique challenges. They promote literacy by making reading interactive and enjoyable, helping students connect emotionally with stories while building skills in analysis and empathy. Beyond academics, such gatherings strengthen community bonds, encouraging parent involvement and creating shared experiences that foster a sense of belonging.
Parents echoed this sentiment in their reactions. "I like the different creative costumes and that the teachers are involved," said Arcenia Sullivan, a mother attending the event.
Grandmother Lori Gagnon, visiting from Michigan, added: "I think it's fun for the kids to dress up. Fall is a beautiful time to be on post. The band added a lot too!"
Jessica Kowalski, mother of a first grader with special needs said "I like that we get to see all the kids and they get to be with each other. It's a schoolwide event. My 1st grader is special needs and he's able to participate. I like that the middle school band is also involved."
Another parent, Olivia Ndjib, noted the novelty: "I like to see how happy they are. I have been to several schools, and this is the first time that I have seen a parade like this. The kids are glad to see their parents and wave to them. It's a great way to get the parents from our work environments and see each other as parents."
Students were equally enthusiastic. Fourth-graders shared highlights like "It was fun to hold up the signs and show off our costumes" and "I like how we got to dress up in really cool costumes and see our parents." A fifth-grader connected it to other school spirit activities: "I like how we got to wear different things this week for Red Ribbon Week. We got to wear crazy socks — that was fun."
The parade aligns with DoDEA's Blueprint for Continuous Improvement, a five-year strategic plan launched in 2025 to guide the system through 2030. The blueprint emphasizes four core goals, including student excellence through academic and personal supports, and school excellence via supportive environments for teaching and learning. By engaging students in character-driven literacy activities and involving families and staff, the event supports these aims, helping military kids thrive.
