In a time when COVID-19 is running rampant and the nation is in distress, Lehigh Elementary School is offering an oasis of calm in the form of stories available 7 p.m. every Sunday night for children, families and friends.

The Sunday Story series was started by Principal Cassandra Herr, who found the idea on social media. The original idea was that a school principal would read to her students in her pajamas every night.

“I realized I couldn’t do this all by myself, nor did I want to, so I recruited teachers who were willing to read their favorite stories to the kids,” Herr said.

Tailoring the idea to fit the school’s needs, the team decided on a once-a-week format.

Volunteer readers initially filmed each story but then also posted it on Facebook for viewing at any time. The Sunday Story can be found on the Lehigh Elementary School - NASD page.

According to Herr, the first Sunday Story took place just before the kindergartners came to school in the fall. It allowed the children and their parents to see Herr and get to know her virtually before they came to school.

“It ultimately made them feel more comfortable on the first day of classes,” she said.

It blossomed from there, paving the way for older students to reconnect with their previous instructors after they moved to another school and current students to see their classroom instructors in a different light.

In some cases, it’s the difference between seeing a beloved staff member online or not at all. For example, Mrs. Gilly, the school librarian, is not someone the kids get to see in person right now, but she can read her favorite books for them online.

The stories that are offered are short, lighthearted and charming. For example, Gilly’s favorite, “Sparky!” by Jenny Offill and Chris Appelhans, is about a girl whose mother says if she wants a pet, it has to be something that doesn’t need to be walked or fed or bathed. What follows is a hilarious tale about the adventures of a girl and her pet sloth.

Ultimately, Sunday Story is for families.

“We have such good kids and wonderful families,” Herr said, adding this offers the chance to form some sweet and positive memories in a difficult year.