“Reading Madness” was the theme for this year’s Pick a Reading Partner week at Mandalay Elementary School, which ran from March 4-8 and inspired by the popular college basketball tournament.

There was a visit from children’s author Darren Sardelli, a book fair, guest readers in classrooms and book character dress-up day. Students also got involved in community service with a successful one-day book collection for the Freeport-based Book Fairies. The organization distributes reading materials to under-resourced communities on Long Island, New York City and around the world. 

PARP concluded with the Game Day Poetry Slam. Students were encouraged to wear a jersey or shirt for their favorite team, and also read a poem aloud in class. They could choose a favorite published poem or write an original piece.