School celebrates reading and the Olympics with ‘Parents as Reading Partners' program

Warwick — Sanfordville Elementary School began its annual “Parents as Reading Partners” program on Monday, Feb. 6, and wrapped it up on Friday, Feb. 24. The program drums up enthusiasm for reading books, and encourages students to read daily with family members, as they keep track of all the books they have read over the three-week period. The theme for the program was the Winter Olympics, using the motto, “Readers Break Records.” Each class in the school was assigned to represent a country that is competing in the 2006 Winter Olympics. “Opening Day Ceremonies” were led by Principal Roger Longfield, as students paraded through the school wearing costumes they created themselves, with flags and hats representing their nation. Every year, the entire school and parent volunteers get involved. This year was no exception. Teachers lent their own creative touches to involve the students and get them excited about reading. Even the physical education department got involved with some Olympic-styled activities for the students. Christine Gerbehy served as the parent committee director, to create the atmosphere of the Olympics in the school’s media center. She also coordinated all of the decorating, book ordering, and paperwork. A highlight of the program took place on Wednesday, Feb. 15, when noted children’s author Helen Lester came to the school. She spoke to the students about being an author, and about her book, “Tacky and the Winter Games,” the latest in her series of Tacky the Penguin books. Children were able to purchase a copy of the book in advance and have it signed by the author during her appearance.