Reading will be the focus of a month-long celebration for McConnellsville Elementary School students and families.
From April 26th until May 24th, students and families are participating in the New York State-Sponsored PARP (Pick a Reading Partner) program.
PARP is a program that asks parents or other family members to read with children for at least fifteen minutes each day.
The daily activity of reading together strengthens the literacy and communication skills of each child while also enhancing relationships. The hope is that by making reading a consistent habit, it will become a natural part of their daily activities going forward.
The program was developed locally by State Senator James Donovan in 1978, and has been helmed by the New York State PTA since 1987.
Schools are encouraged to have a theme for each year’s event. McConnellsville’s theme for 2023 is “Follow the Reading Rainbow.” Students are being asked to go an extra mile over the state recommendation and read for at least 20 minutes each day if possible. It’s understood that it is not always possible, but students and families are encouraged to do their best.
For each ten minutes a student reads, color in a rainbow on a row of the provided participation worksheet. Each week, students will turn in the colored in row(s) of rainbows to have the opportunity to color in a rainbow mural in the hallway that tracks progress by grade level for a friendly competition.
The mural was created by librarian Shelley Malenowski and art teacher Desiree Lis.
In addition to competing by grade level, students will also have a chance to compete as individuals. The top readers in each grade level will receive prizes at the May 25th character education assembly.
To kick off the program, McConnellsville hosted children’s author Jodie Bonville. Jodie is an educator in the Peru Central School District located just outside of Plattsburgh. She read her story “Seeking Joy” to students and provided a memorable start to the festivities.
Happy reading!
