Clifford the Big Red Dog, The Cat in the Hat and a kissable pig have kids turning the pages at Hunter-Tannersville Elementary School. All were themes for the Greene County school's Parents As Reading Partners program, fostering a love of books by encouraging parents and students to read at least 15 minutes a day, five days a week. PARP is sponsored in schools statewide by New York State United Teachers and the New York State Congress of Parents and Teachers.

"I try to do themes that get kids excited and interested in reading," said reading teacher Rosey Iacono, a member of the Hunter-Tannersville Teachers Association. "The program has really taken off."

Past Hunter Tannersville themes include "Pig Out on Books," culminating in the principal kissing a pig when students met reading goals; and "Oh the Places You'll Go When You Read," a title taken from a Dr. Seuss book. This year it was "Read Every Day (RED)," which featured the color red and daily in-cafeteria readers, including Clifford the Big Red Dog.

PARP students and parents sign a contract promising to meet nightly reading goals, said Iacono. The theme is continued through two-for-one book fairs, special clothing days, guest readers and book swaps.

"At the end of the program, every student gets a free book, a certificate and usually a free coupon for ice cream," said Iacono, who approaches businesses for coupon donations. Books are bought at discount through Scholastic Publishing's "bruised books" catalog.

"We're pushing for more parent involvement at our school and PARP really does that because it gets them reading together," said Teresa Monteleone, who is co-president of the Hunter-Tannersville TA with Randy Mudge. "Mrs. Iacono's work has been outstanding."

Parents are key. "Through PARP, parents can help instill a lifelong love of reading in their children," said NYSUT President Tom Hobart. "I encourage local presidents to contact NYSUT for information about starting a PARP program."

Parents As Reading Partners includes brochures, bookmarks and completion certificates. Local presidents may contact Julie Malec at (800) 342-9810 or write NYSUT Publications, 159 Wolf Road, Box 15008, Albany, N.Y. 12212.

"After PARP ended one year, a student came up to me and said 'Mrs. Iacono, I'm still doing PARP, I can't stop,'" she said. "If I can reach one child like that, it's worth it."

- Kara E. Smith

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