Hallmark author dedicates children’s book to Metzler students and staff
KLEIN ISD — It is a tale of two huskies, one real and the other fiction. As luck would have it, the real story rests at Metzler Elementary nestled in the heart of the Klein ISD.
The Hallmark storybook Jingle All the Way is written by author Tom Shay-Zapien and tells the story of homeless husky pup, Jingle, and a little boy who needed a friend. Jingle followed the kids to school every day in hopes that one of them would take him home. Coincidentally, the tale mimics that of a husky found at Metzler named Roxee.
Roxee, like Jingle, is a husky found wandering the grounds of Metzler shortly after it opened in 2005. The staff noticed the dog and immediately made efforts alongside Husky Haven to find her a home. After several failed attempts, it was avid dog-lover and Metzler principal Christine Rigia who adopted Roxee.
“Something in my heart told me that I had to take this dog,” said Rigia. “I was a little concerned at first because I had two cocker spaniels and had never taken care of a dog that size. Roxee, however, is the gentlest, kindest creature I have ever stumbled upon. It truly was just meant to be.”
Carol Frazier, reading specialist at Metzler, first stumbled upon the storybook when passing a local Hallmark store. As luck would have it, she was in the process of selecting a book Metzler could incorporate into its annual literacy day. Frazier was able to contact author Shay-Zapien and he flew in to join Metzler students last fall for a dose of Texas hospitality and a fun-filled day learning of Jingle and his adventures.
|
 |
“Nothing could have prepared me for what I
experienced that day,” recalled Shay-Zapien. “Seeing larger-than-life
murals and banners with Jingle and all of his friends left me absolutely
speechless. The staff and students made me feel so welcome and it was
very clear to me just how much Jingle meant to them. The time spent at
Metzler was a real gift and one I couldn’t wait to share with the Jingle
team back in Kansas City.”
Shay-Zapien noted some favorites of his trip included eating Texas
barbeque for the first time, and a special cake that depicted pages from
the book. The success of his first book grew in popularity and Hallmark
released the sequel A Snow Day for Jingle, along with a new interactive
story buddy that debuted in stores in October. The movie also aired on Nov. 25, 2011, on the Hallmark channel. Shay-Zapien
was so moved by his visit to Texas that he dedicated the second book to
the students and staff at Metzler Elementary.
“For a long time, I wanted to say ‘thank you’ to the staff and students
for pulling together and working so hard to celebrate Jingle. This
seemed like the perfect gesture,” he said. “I’ll always be grateful to
Carol (Frazier) for contacting me and inviting me to be a part of it
all. Jingle’s story continues to grow and I’m thankful beyond words that
the Huskies are one of its happy little chapters.”
|
|
The Metzler school mascot incidentally became
the Husky prior to opening, as Rigia wanted to build a school
environment around teamwork – something she felt a husky portrayed. The
school mascot, Trace, is a Siberian husky that is an international and
national champion show dog that attends several Metzler events.
“Our kids at Metzler bring so much joy to us,” expressed Rigia. “We
continue to always work as a team, and that is what Mr. Shay-Zapien got
to see. Knowing that he was able to have such a tremendous experience
that was a result of true teamwork by the teachers, parents and children
is very breathtaking.”
Shay-Zapien announced he will rejoin the students and staff at its
literacy day on Dec. 16, 2011, as the school hosts A Snow Day for Jingle
Celebration. It is slated to be a real snow day at Metzler, complete
with pajamas, sleeping bags, book-themed decorations, learning
activities, a snow machine, popcorn, snacks and the movie based on the
latest book.
“Our goal is to create life-long readers, and this event is a day each
year for our students to share their love for books,” said Frazier.
“Students will engage in a variety of activities, study different
techniques of illustrations and writing, and have an opportunity meet
and learn from Mr. Shay-Zapien about the true essence of Jingle.”
For more information on the Jingle storybooks, click here. |
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading …
Both comments and pings are currently closed.
Posted in 
Add to Google