Local Author Comes back to Northport!

Fifth Avenue Elementary School had a very special guest visit last week. To celebrate the end of our New York State PTA PARP (Pick A Reading Partner) Program, the students were rewarded with a presentation from Northport's own, Rita Meade, author of "Edward gets Messy". She graduated from Northport High School and is the daughter of Fifth Avenue's First grade teacher, Mrs. Neill-Meade.

PARP is a program that asks parents to read with their children for at least fifteen minutes daily, stressing the fact that reading can be fun as well as informative. The choice of reading materials can vary from books to anything with printed words.

Miss Meade came to visit Fifth Avenue Elementary School to read her book "Edward Gets Messy" and to teach the children about becoming an author. The students and staff loved her and learning about how a book gets made. Three distinct presentations were made to different groups of students so that it was relevant to them. Kindergarten and First grade had more emphasis on ideas and that they didn't need to be a great artist to write a great story. They also sang songs about getting messy. Second and Third grade focused on how a book gets made from idea to the book shelves. The presentation to Fourth and Fifth grade students highlighted the importance of teamwork to get a book published.

Over 160 students participated in this years PARP program with awards given out all participants and prizes awarded to winners from each grade.

To conclude the visit, Miss Meade held a book signing and the children were very excited to have their own copies of "Edward Gets Messy". It's not everyday that you get to meet the author!