Student learning is climbing at Smedley Elementary School and the entire community is celebrating with “An Old Fashioned Christmas” from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10. The event celebrates 101 years of education at Smedley and the school’s recent jump from a state designation of “unsatisfactory” to “low” - a jump that earned the school a “significant improvement” rating.

“Smedley is celebrating incredible momentum,” said principal Mark Hernandez. “What we’re doing with literacy and math right now is undeniably making a difference for kids. We’re inviting the Sunnyside Community to come in and see that we’re a school on the move - a good school that’s becoming a great school.”

State Senator Paula Sandoval will be on hand to distribute two free books to every student. Other activities include caroling, holiday stories, treats from local merchants, festive Victorian decorations and classroom-by-classroom holiday craft and card sales to boost funds for individual classroom libraries.

“Ultimately, this event is to promote to our neighbors and families that Smedley Elementary is in fact a recognizable school of choice for strong academics and a school that wants to embrace all neighborhood students and families,” said Hernandez.

“An Old Fashioned Christmas” is funded by a grant from the Denver Foundation’s “Strengthening Neighborhoods” program. The free books are courtesy of a donation from AT & T through the Fund for Colorado’s Future, which distributes books to elementary school students through its “Spread the Word” campaign.

Smedley Elementary School is located at 4250 Shoshone St. For more information, contact Mark Hernandez, principal, 303-433-3321.