Ronan first graders share giant smiles with family at poetry book signing

It did not take long for Ronan students to become inspired this year. 

A few short weeks after 16 K. first graders at William Harvey Elementary School began their educational trek, their teacher, Francy Moll entered them into a poetry contest.

Moll, a fan of the Dramatic Pen, a Missoula-based writers’ group, taught her students how to write poems. then entered student’s work in the writers’ group poetry contest.

Though the students did not, the contest’s anthology publisher was so inspired by the students’ work, the group published the entire class’ poetry in an addition of “Reflections,” the Missoula group’s anthology. 

Moll treated the news of her student’s impending fame in style.

Moll and her classroom paraprofessional Caitlyn Walchuk ordered copies of Reflections for all her students, then planned a book signing party.

The invitations were sent by email. Parents and family members were given notice that Jan. 29 was a special day.

When they arrived, cookies and punch lined a table against one wall. Chairs were set for the audience to use. And a giant brown reading chair sat majestically in a corner.

Before and after the big event, students shared each other’s signatures, signing one another’s book and showing their parents all the signatures they gained.

One by one each student took their turn reading their poem to parents and family. When it was done, the party ensued. 

Cookies and punch for everyone.