Bell Elementary finished an eventful PARP (Pick-A-Reading-Partner) week, a period which included a Family Literacy Night and series of mystery readers.

During PARP week, each class paired up with a buddy class from a different grade level.

"The best part about PARP was my reading buddy. She read me a really great story," said first grader Amelia Buono.

“I loved reading to the UPK students. It was so much fun,” said fourth grader Peyton Musok.

Community members also came by the school to engage with the students as mystery readers.

“It was such a joy to welcome families and friends into our classrooms to read to the kids. The look on the student's faces was priceless when they saw their loved ones walk through the door to surprise the class,” said Bell Elementary teacher Amanda Buono.

Family Literacy Night featured literacy games, a book swap, interactive read aloud, crafts, scholastic book fair, and more.

“It was so nice to bring Family Literacy Night back to Bell. We had an amazing turn out and a fun filled evening with literacy crafts, games, book fair, book swap, the opportunity to read with a therapy dog and an interactive read aloud,” said Bell Elementary teacher Alesia Kuratnick.

“The hallways were flooded with excited children and families grateful to be back attending a school event, said Bell Elementary kindergarten teacher Randi Silvernail.   “When my kindergartners were asked what the best part of their week was, many said ‘Family Literacy Night’. They were really excited to show off their school and all they have been learning to their families.”