Saddleback invites public to meet author Thursday

In honor of Arizona’s 100th year, Saddleback Elementary School will host a Centennial Celebration 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday for parents and family members of all Saddleback Elementary students, as well as the public.

The event focuses on reading and will feature a 100th birthday cake, Native American dancers and a meet-and-greet with award-winning children’s author Terri Fields, best known for Burro’s Tortillas, Missing in the Mountain and Danger in the Desert.

“This is not only a celebration of our great state and local culture, but also a celebration of all that our students and teachers at Saddleback Elementary have accomplished,” said Principal Felicia Williams. “To have an author of Fields’ caliber join the students in the reading of her books is a great opportunity for them and we look forward to sharing that with Saddleback parents and families.”

***ADVERTISEMENT***The evening will kick off with pizza being served by the Saddleback Parent-Teacher Organization and a session with Fields.

Then, fourth and fifth graders will hold three readers’ theater performances (one every half hour) of Fields’ Danger in the Desert, while the author reads Burro’s Tortillas in the library. She also will have her books for sale and be available for autographs throughout the evening.

Native American singers and dancers will perform, and guests will be invited to enjoy a bite of Arizona’s 100th birthday cake.

For more information on Saddleback Elementary School visit www.maricopausd.org/SES/ or call 520-568-6110. For more information on the Maricopa Unified School District visit www.maricopausd.org or call 520-568-5100.