By Stephanie Avidon, PARP Specialist
[Spring 2018 NYPT]
The NYS PTA Pick A Reading Partner program (known as PARP) is a program for every school and PTA. The main objective is to encourage reading together, something that is important for everyone!
You create the program for as long or as short as you want, to fit into any size budget. Check out the newly-updated PARP Toolkit. There are great suggestions for PARP or literacy chairs to help make planning as easy as possible. It gives ideas on themes, activities, handouts, assemblies, etc. There is also information for parents to help encourage the love of reading for their child(ren).
What to do this year:
If you hosted a PARP program at your school this year, you should apply for the 2018 Pick A Reading Partner Award. You can find the award application HERE. Each region selects one winner, and then NYS PTA selects one state-wide winner.
The 2018 PARP Award Winner will receive two complimentary tickets to attend the 122nd NYS PTA Annual Convention in Saratoga Springs, and will be recognized during a General Session at Convention. Send your application to your region director, postmarked by June 15, 2018.
What to do next year:
As you start planning your PTA budget for 2018-2019, include money to hold a PARP program at your school.
Now is the time to plan your PARP program and budget: an author visit, a special kick-off or closing assembly, give-away items for all the children or the winning class. Whatever you want and works for your school. Remember there are no set dates, themes or requirements.
Any questions? Contact your Region PARP Chair or email parp@nyspta.org.