Lower School students enjoyed an exciting day interacting with author Dr. Arielle Dance during a special visit on March 1. Dr. Dance read her book, Dearest One, and spent time with each grade engaging in activities and answering questions about the book in Lower Snowdon.
In her description of the book shared prior to her visit, Dr. Dance encouraged readers to imagine the words their grandmother might say if she wrote them a letter. “Perhaps she would encourage you to embrace the rain, or shine your light for all to see. Perhaps she would tell you that you are loved. Perhaps she would start the letter, Dearest One,” hence the title of her book. Dr. Dance also believes her story can be translated from any loved one, anyone you miss, or anyone you haven’t seen in a while.
Students in the PreK(3)-Grade 5 classes each spent 30 minutes with Dr. Dance, who sat in the librarian’s chair and shared meaningful messages and enlightening discussions during the presentation of her book. She also encouraged students to participate by asking them questions and inviting them to share their own stories and thoughts.
At the conclusion of her visit, Dr. Dance received a handmade personalized LA tote bag with illustrations and quotes from her book ironed onto it from JohnEric Advento, Lower School Head, and Kristin Lambertsen, the Head Librarian who coordinated the event. Ms. Lambertsen noted that like everything we do at WardlaLAartridge, it is our community’s support that makes these wonderful events a success! She would like to send a special thank you to Dari Olitt, Judy Orak, Luke Burroughs and Marc Spivak for their help with the event.