Chatterton School recently transformed its gymnasium into a campsite for the annual PARP (Pick a Reading Partner) kickoff assembly. Every year, each Merrick school designates one to two weeks to celebrate PARP and promote reading in and out of school through a variety of fun and engaging activities. This year’s theme at Chatterton is “Camp Out With a Good Book.”

Principal Dana Bermas and Assistant Principal Michael DeLuca wore park ranger caps as they led the schoolwide assembly that accented the joy of reading. Students wore green and brown camouflage. Led by three faculty members, Dr. Nasto, Dr. Curtis and Dr. Green, older students guided younger in some favorite campfire songs around an artificial, but authentic-looking, campfire set up in the middle of the gym. There was also a read-aloud of the book “Scaredy Squirrel Goes Camping,” and technology teacher Traci Colfer prepared a fun camping video that was met with many laughs!

Activities throughout Chatterton’s PARP celebration include visits from representatives of the Tackapausha Habitat Museum, random Drop Everything and Read callouts, guest readers from the community, a visit and reading from author Peter Catalanotto, a Bingo for Books event, pajama day, ‘campfire’ readings and more. 

Chatterton’s PARP celebration runs through mid-January. Birch School celebrates PARP in late January-early February. Levy Lakeside will hold its PARP celebration in March. Happy reading!