A “royal welcome” ushered in Washington Primary School’s Pick a Reading Partner program, which will run throughout the month of March.
Principal Michelle Richards was in full dress for the assembly, playing the role of the “Story Book Queen of the Kingdom of Washington Primary School.” Reading teacher Jeffrey Dicker was dressed as a royal knight. He played guitar and sang an original composition that he wrote just for the occasion.
Students crowded into the gym for the festivities. Art teacher Maria Mazzola designed a stunning background consisting of a towering castle that was affixed to the Washington stage curtain. Books and decorative elements surrounded the background.
“We want our students to be excited about reading every day; however, PARP is a time when we kick our passion for reading into overdrive,” Dr. Richards said. “Sir Dicker and I wanted to keep the students engaged throughout the assembly. It is our goal for students to share the love of reading with everyone in their home and community. Pick a Reading Partner allows our children to read to and read with anyone. We decided last year to dedicate a full month to PARP to foster the habit of reading when not in school. I am excited about what we have in store for PARP 2020!”
Washington’s PARP committee is working hard to make this year’s program the best one ever. Guest readers consisting of district and building administrators and staff members will be visiting classrooms to read from their favorite books. “Every class will have one ‘mystery reader’ on Tuesdays beginning March 10,” Dr. Richards said.
Community readers are also coming to the school. They will be family members who would like to read to classes. Some former faculty members might be making appearances, too.
A parent workshop was held earlier this week to focus on ways to make PARP fun in the home. “This will support our school-to-home connection,” Dr. Richards said. “On March 11, we will host our PARP & STEM Family Night with interactive stations for children and their families.”
