Thursday, October 1, 2026
Students at Camp Avenue Elementary School in the North Merrick School District were treated to a day of surprises and storytelling on Feb. 10 as mystery readers visited classrooms to celebrate PARP week and encourage a love of reading.
Excitement built throughout the morning as students in grades one through five received clues about the identities of their guest readers. Parents and loved ones waited just outside classroom doors before being revealed, prompting cheers and laughter as children discovered whether their guesses were correct.
Each reader shared a favorite book with the class, creating an atmosphere that teachers said kept students attentive and eager to participate. The activity was designed to highlight the joy of reading while strengthening the connection between home and school.
The mystery reader visits were one of several activities held during PARP — Pick a Reading Partner — a statewide initiative that promotes daily reading habits and family involvement. Organizers said the program returns each year to remind students of the importance of reading both in and out of the classroom.
Additional highlights of the week included a visit from children’s author Daryl Cobb, known for his “Pirates” series, as well as themed dress-up days that added to the festive atmosphere.
School officials said the combination of interactive events and community participation helped make PARP week memorable for students while reinforcing literacy as a shared priority.
