On Thursday, February 26, ASU Prep Poly STEM Academy transformed into a launchpad for imagination. As part of our year-long “Our Year in Orbit” curriculum, students and families gathered for Literacy Under the Stars, an evening dedicated to the dual wonders of reading and space exploration.
From Book Fairs to Beyond
The mission began with family activities, where the buzz of excitement was as high as a rocket’s trajectory. The evening featured:
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The Scholastic Book Fair: A hub of activity where students picked out their next great adventures.
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Creative Stations: Kids crafted custom bookmarks and contributed to a massive community mural.
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Guest Storytelling: Local readers brought space-themed tales to life, with special appearances from beloved children’s book characters.
Reading by Starlight
As the sun set over the Mesa campus, the focus shifted to the great unknown. Armed with blankets, chairs and glow sticks provided by the PTSO, families settled onto the grass to read by flashlight.
The highlight of the night? The telescope stations. Students were able to peer through the lens to observe the moon and stars, connecting the stories they read on the page with the actual celestial bodies overhead. It wasn’t just about reading about space—it was about seeing it.
“Our Year in Orbit isn’t just a theme; it’s a mission to inspire the next generation of scientists, writers, and explorers.”
The Countdown Continues
This event marks a major milestone in our journey toward the ultimate STEM experience. As part of the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program—a joint venture with NASA—our students are preparing for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Later this spring, the “Our Year in Orbit” campaign will culminate in a live, real-time conversation with astronauts currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
To view a photo album of our Literacy Under the Stars event, please visit our Facebook page.
