In alignment with Harborfields School District’s goal of promoting diversity, equity and inclusion, Thomas J. Lahey Elementary School administrators and Parent Teacher Association members selected “United We Read” as this year’s Pick a Reader Partner, or PARP, theme.
Students were encouraged to read at least 20 minutes each day and complete two or more activities, each of which were based on inspiration quotes from global leaders relating to diversity, equity and inclusion. Quote’s ranged from Dolly Parton’s lyrics, “If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours,” to former U.S. President Barack Obama’s words, “Learning to stand in somebody else’s shoes, to see through their eyes, that’s how peace begins.”
Inspired by these words, students, faculty and staff leveraged the PARP program as an opportunity to drive change. The school collected a total of 44 boxes of books to be donated to Freeport-based not-for-profit organization, The Book Fairies. The reading materials will help foster literacy and a love of reading across local communities.
Students and staff also shared 31 of their favorite books, ranging from biographies to realistic fiction. “Their contributions are strong evidence of our students' commitment to, and action toward, our diversity, equity and inclusion goals,” PTA Executive Board member Kim Bykov said.
In total 103, students participated in PARP. Congratulations to our winners!