Smithtown Schools Celebrate Their Love of Reading

Elementary schools throughout the Smithtown School District recently celebrated the national, PTA-sponsored Parents As Reading Partners (PARP) initiative with various literary-inspired activities.

Dogwood Elementary School held its first Literacy Fair in which students from throughout the building read a book and created visual projects about their books. Projects were displayed in the school hallways. More than 185 students participated in this volunteer project – every one of them dedicating their spare time to create something special that exemplifies the meaning of their chosen book.

Mt. Pleasant Elementary School welcomed several guest readers from the school community to read to young children. Administrators from central office, as well as different departments and schools throughout the Smithtown CSD, stopped by to spend some time reading to classes in grades K-5. Superintendent of Schools Dr. James Grossane was among the many guests. Each class appointed students to serve as chaperones to escort their class’ guest readers from the school library to their classroom. Students also engaged in Q&As with their guests about the books they read and other topics relevant to reading.

Tackan Elementary School students created various works of art symbolizing a musical theme. Under the direction of art teacher Claudia Chandler, students studied famous artists and their works, including Pablo Picasso’s “The Violin” and “The Three Musicians.” The artwork of more than 140 students was displayed at the PTA’s Annual Barnes and Noble Night held last month.

During PARP, which lasts multiple weeks, activities are planned to inspire students to read with their parents at home, stressing the fact that reading can be fun as well as informative.

Photos courtesy of the Smithtown Central School District:

Photo 1: Tackan ES students created various works of art symbolizing a musical theme for PARP. They read about many famous artists and their works.

Photo 2: Mt. Pleasant ES welcomed several guest readers from the school community to read to young children, including Superintendent of Schools Dr. James Grossane, pictured here with two of the school’s student chaperones.

Photo 3: Tackan ES students created various works of art symbolizing a musical theme for PARP. They read about many famous artists and their works.