Current and new families were invited to bring their own favorite books, allowing them to connect to what they’re reading. Dean of K-1 Amanda Muhia and Admissions Representative Rachael Cash-Dail helped organize the event, and Muhia said when students bring their own books, staff members can build relationships with them.
“The promotion of bring your own book allows students to share books that they enjoy, giving us a window into their world and personal interests,” Muhia said.
Students brought their own books to Warrendale’s Reading Picnic, which was a hit for kids and their parents.
As families walked onto Warrendale’s lawn, they received a National Heritage Academies® (NHA®) blanket and chose snacks to enjoy during the day. Blankets served as the stage for plenty of reading engagement.
Students read with their parents, listened to staff members read to the crowd, and had time for independent reading, as well. Interacting with reading helps every student at every age, which is one of the reasons a Reading Picnic was chosen as an end-of-summer event.
Admissions Representative Rachael Cash-Dail (right) reads with students during Warrendale’s Reading Picnic.
“We want to ensure that our students continue to read and build their fluency and comprehension skills throughout the summer,” Muhia said.
It was Warrendale’s second year in a row hosting this event, one they brought back after receiving positive feedback in 2025. The feedback was again positive and Muhia said students thoroughly enjoyed the day.
While it may be the end of summer for students, the Reading Picnic helped spark back-to-school routines and a provided a connection point with their education.
Dean of K-1 Amanda Muhia (middle) reads with students at Warrendale’s Reading Picnic.
“It gives students the opportunity to see reading in a different and positive way,” Muhia said. “Often our students are told to read for information in school but don’t often get a chance to read for leisure. This event put a spotlight on reading as a fun activity that can be enjoyed anywhere, even outdoors.”
Keep up the great work, Amanda, Rachael, and all of Warrendale!
About Warrendale Charter Academy
Warrendale Charter Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in Detroit, Michigan, serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies (NHA®) network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through high school across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
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