Students at Birch and Chatterton Elementary Schools are getting their read on as part of the schools’ “Pick a Reading Partner,” or PARP, initiatives. Each year, the national, PTA sponsored program encourages a love of reading in students and, in turn, helps parents and caregivers become more active reading partners with their children.
At Birch, students are celebrating PARP with a centralized theme of “Birch readers are warriors.” From Jan. 15-Feb. 1, there will be several themed days, offering students an opportunity to dress up, as well as reading activities.
In keeping with the theme, the school has partnered with Coleman Country Day Camp in Freeport, to film videos from American Ninja Warrior greats, Joe Moravsky and Daniel Gil, who will challenge students to build their “reading muscles.”
To enhance the PARP experience this year, students will also have the opportunity to use classic American Ninja Warrior equipment that the PTA graciously purchased for the school last year. A series of lessons using the equipment have been planned to give the children their own American Ninja Warrior experience.
Additionally, students will enjoy a virtual visit from famous author, Dan Gutman, as he reads aloud one of his books and talks about his experiences as an author.
At Chatterton, students enjoyed a virtual, school-wide assembly on Jan.14 to kick off its PARP theme: “Reading is our superpower.” Principal Dana Bermas and Assistant Principal Michael DeLuca read aloud, “Thank You, Mr. Falker,” by Patricia Polacco, which
tells the story of a young Patricia Polacco, who learned to read thanks to the help of a special teacher and “everyday superhero.”
The book’s central message of perseverance will be highlighted throughout the week at Chatterton as students honor every day heroes, such as teachers, custodians, caregivers and even themselves.
Throughout the week, students will also have the opportunity to dress up as their favorite superheroes, and participate in several school-wide PARP activities, including “Virtual Bingo for Books.”
“Our PARP theme for this year is superheroes,” Mrs. Bermas said. “This seems fitting more than ever. We wanted to highlight how all of our teachers, teaching assistants, custodians and all staff members are heroes!”