MADISON – Students at Heritage Elementary School masqueraded on Halloween but in a way that promoted literacy for the entire student body.

Katie Humphress, a student in Ann Iott’s class at Heritage, dressed as a hot dog for her favorite book, “The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog.”

Younger students donned costumes that represented their favorite characters from books, while the upperclassmen took a more real-life track.

Due to inclement, the characters paraded inside for this annual event at Heritage. Each teacher and student in grades K-3 dressed up, principal Dr. Georgina Nelson said. Numerous parents visited and cheered for the children.

This special activity applied the students’ knowledge of books in an expressive way, compared to a book report that they would recite to their classmates. The Heritage students enjoyed a venue in which to celebrate literacy.

Some students portrayed strong-willed ninjas. Girls chose Dorothy’s blue-and-white gingham dress from “The Wizard of Oz.” Harry Potter figures were popular. Katniss Everdean from “The Hunger Games” showed a powerful role model for the girls.

“Students in grades 4-6 dressed as their future careers on this day and viewed the K-3 parade,” Nelson said. “A fun time was had by all.”

Demetria Freeman, who works as instructional partner at Heritage, says the parade helps to promote school-wide reading and a genuine love for various books and genres. “Students look forward to the book character parade each year. The parade continues to get bigger and better,” Freeman said.

In her first year as principal for the parade, Nelson hopes Heritage continues the tradition. “This day is a wonderful way of promoting literacy within our school and community,” Nelson said.