Oquenock Elementary School in West Islip celebrates its VIP's

A large sign in the Oquenock Elementary School in West Islip greets visitors with "Reading is to the mind, what exercise is to the body." Guests on February 2 came from all corners of the community, including a captain from the New York City Fire Department. They came to participate in Community Readers' Day - an event during which the emphasis is on "Reading is Fun" and "Reading is the Foundation for all Learning."

The children applauded for the Honorable Angie Carpenter, Suffolk County Treasurer; for Andrew Hamm, Director of the Public Library; for the dad dressed in his blue Suffolk County Police uniform and administrators from the two Middle Schools and the High School.

Many VIPs are shown holding their favorite children's book, ready to read to students in 17 classrooms. Looking on from the sidelines of the gym where the student body gathered for the kickoff ceremony of PARP (Parents As Reading Partners) were

Event Coordinator

and PTA

member Lori Kelly and Co-Chair Maureen Mancini. Principal Michelle D'Amour introduced the group, which also included Superintendent of Schools Dr. Beth Virginia Blau, who chose Where Are My Slippers? because "kindergartners enjoy seeing and discussing colors." Public Library Director Andrew Hamm, who was attending for the sixth consecutive year, commented, "I can't think of anything more important than encouraging children to read."

The fourth and fifth grade chorus sang The Lion Sleeps Tonight, tying in to the PARP theme, We're Wild About Books, while other children offered instrumental music. Principal D'Amour added, "Community Readers' Day demonstrates support of our reading program, and when we invite the adults to participate and get such a fabulous response, it reinforces the importance of literary to our youngsters."

Also shown are West Islip Public Library Director Andrew Hamm and World Languages Director Carmen Campos with finger puppet Madeline, a favorite character of children worldwide.

Reader Comments

No comments have been posted. Be the first!

Other Stories With Comments:
Article	Comments
Opposition to drilling by Congress is a pain in the gas	2
William Zaruka, longtime Babylonian, veteran and volunteer	1
Editorial	1
West Babylon Alumni Foundation installs new officers	1
Heard It On The Grapevine	1