PARP Takes Bellmore Students Around the World

Photo: Fourth-graders in Kathy Marks’ class at Winthrop Avenue School welcomed author and illustrator Chris Soentpiet to kickoff the four-week Parents as Reading Partner program. Submitted by Bellmore School District

Students at Bellmore’s Winthrop Avenue School kicked off its annual Parents as Reading Partners program (PARP) with a special assembly to motivate all students to read.

The PTA-sponsored PARP program encourages students read for a minimum of 15 minutes a day throughout the duration of the program with either a parent or other adult at home.

On Oct. 1, the third and fourth-graders welcomed author and illustrator Chris Soentpiet to discuss the process an author goes through when creating a story. During his visit, Soentpiet spoke to the students about his experiences as a published author and illustrator, including his use of models and photography to bring his illustrations to life.

PARP features four weeks of activities centered on the theme “Reading Around the World,” both in school and at home, designed to encourage parents or other family members to become active reading partners with their child or family member.