New Hyde Park Road School hosted its inaugural PARP (Pick a Reading Partner) Spirit Week from March 7-11. PARP is designed to encourage a love of reading among students and to help them become lifelong readers.
Each day of the school week, there was a different daily theme to help promote literacy. The week kicked off with “Cozy Up with a Good Book” Day. Students and staff dressed in pajamas and allotted time during the day to “cozy up” with a book during a schoolwide DEAR (Drop Everything And Read) Time. For “Talk About it Tuesday,” students shared book recommendations with their peers; and, on “Wear it Wednesday,” students and staff wore a shirt with words. Thursday’s theme was “Carry a Joke in Your Pocket,” and anyone in the building could be stopped and asked to either hear a joke or tell a joke throughout the day. PARP Spirit Week concluded with “Favorite Character Friday,” and students and staff dressed up as their favorite book characters.
Additionally, throughout the week, teachers invited parents and family members to be guest readers and read aloud virtually to a classroom.
“This home to school connection continues to support literacy development and a general love for reading,” second grade teacher Christine Ross-Fitzgibbons said. “The students were so excited and proud to see their family members share some of their favorite books with their peers.”
To encourage participation and reward students for their love of reading, there was a book giveaway at the end of the week. Students received tickets for their participation, and one student from each grade level was selected to win a new book. It was a fun-filled week to celebrate our love of reading.
