PARP to Begin Friday at Nanuet Elementaries

Miller and Highview Elementaries are always encouraging reading not only at school, but also at home. In keeping with this spirit of, the Nanuet Elementary PTA introduced a program called PARP last year. Parents As Reading Partners begins at the two schools on Friday and this year, the theme is Reading Rocks.

“We want the kids to read and want to encourage parents to read with their kids,” said Missy Vanderploeg, chair of the PARP program.

, an author was chosen and his books were the focus in the program. This year will be Joe Shandrowski and his books that follow Huga Tuga, a “magical blue sea monster.”

PARP’s original kick off date was Feb. 23 and 24 when the author was going to visit the two elementaries, but with an unexpected early delivery, PARP is starting on Friday. Shandrowski’s Huga Tuga in the Dinosaur Adventure was delivered early and Vanderploeg plans to use that book to start introducing his characters to the students.

“We’re very much looking forward to PARP,” said Highview Principal Barbara Auriemma. “It’s a very good way to encourage literacy and reading.”

“And the children are very excited too. Last year’s PARP program was great,” said Miller Principal Betsy Smith.

In keeping with the theme of Reading Rocks, each student will have an electric guitar cut out that parents will initial on the back for each night of family reading.

“There will be prizes for participation,” said Vanderploeg, adding that parents can read to their kids, vice versa and siblings or other family members count as reading partners too.