Edna Louise Spear Elementary School recently held a successful and engaging PARP (Parents as Reading Partners) celebration, inviting parents and students to unite through the joy of reading and artistic expression. The event, coordinated by the school’s PTA, was held with the theme Rainbow Connection, emphasizing the celebration of Port Jefferson’s diversity through children’s literature.
During one of Edna Louise Spear Elementary School’s PARP events, music teacher Riley Mulligan and art teacher Laurel Zimlinghaus provided an opportunity for students and families to connect through creativity. Participants enjoyed creating beautiful landscape paintings on canvas while being serenaded by classroom instrument performances, further enhancing the family-friendly atmosphere. Through these hands-on activities, families were able to bond and explore their artistic sides while celebrating the power of books and art.
The evening kicked off with a special reading by Dr. Michael Caravello, Director of Music and Fine Arts, who set the tone for the event by reading the inspirational book Be You by Peter Reynolds. The book, which encourages children to embrace their authentic selves and view themselves as unique works of art, ties perfectly into the event’s focus on self-expression and individuality.
To further ignite excitement for reading, the PARP celebration continued with a Dress Like Your Favorite Character Day, where students arrived in costumes as beloved literary figures. This fun and imaginative kickoff led to another highly anticipated event, PJs in Port. Students and parents, dressed in their cozy pajamas, visited various classrooms to hear teachers read aloud stories that aligned with the Rainbow Connection theme. Tom Zimmer, the school’s paraprofessional, and Jessica Schmettan, Superintendent of Schools joined the event as guest readers. The evening was a huge success, with positive feedback from attendees who appreciated the creative energy and community spirit.
In addition to the engaging activities, parents had the opportunity to contribute by decorating bulletin boards throughout the school, transforming them into vibrant displays that mirrored the Rainbow Connection theme. The end result was a welcoming and colorful environment that further promoted the celebration of creativity and diversity.
The Edna Louise Spear Elementary School PTA would like to extend heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers, teachers, and families who participated in making this year’s PARP event so memorable. Their creativity, energy, and enthusiasm ensured that the celebration was a great success, inspiring students and parents to embrace reading, creativity, and self-expression.
Click here to view the Edna Louise Spear Elementary School’s PARP Celebration slideshow.
Date Added: 2/18/2025