WEST ORANGE, NJ - Washington Elementary School students celebrated National Handwriting Day on Jan. 23 with some impressive script projects. Although the national celebration dates back to 1977 and falls on John Hancock's birthday, students at Washington have been way ahead of the curve for years.

"It should also be noted and recognized that Washington Elementary School celebrates handwriting every day!" said Reading Specialist Wendi Giuliani, who organized the school-wide day of handwriting-based activities.

"Third grade teachers Amy Jakimas and Nicole Antunes advise the Cursive Writing club here at Washington," Guiliani continued.

"This hugely popular after-school club began around ten years ago. Knowing what a critical and vital skill handwriting is, our dedicated educators moved to make this opportunity available to as many students as possible. The club is offered to third-graders and roughly 40 students are currently enrolled.  All members focus on the foundational strokes and all the lowercase letters and joinings. Through this learning, students learn how to read cursive and how to write their signature.  Students take home practice pages to maintain their skills and include families in this collaborative journey," she explained.

Celebrating National Handwriting Day on John Hancock's birthday pays tribute to his famous signature on the Declaration of Independence and reminds students about the importance of handwriting. Handwriting has many deep-rooted benefits including: developing fine motor skills, helping cognitive development, boosting reading comprehension, assisting with retention of knowledge, helping with increasing creativity, and offers aid in improving spelling and calming nerves.