Celebrating books that made it as movies

School No. 5 went Hollywood this year, as its Parents As Reading Partners (PARP) campaign Light, Camera, READ! rolled out the red carpet to encourage parents and students to read together every night for 15 minutes. The theme which explored “book to film’ adaptations provided first through - 6th Grade students with an opportunity to learn more about the movie making process, including topics such as turning a book into a screenplay, storyboarding, casting, and using critical thinking skills to discuss the similarities and differences from the book and the film.  Parents and staff were provided with a schedule of optional at -home and in-class activites and videos to support the campagin. 

Collectively School No. 5 students read over 96,789 minutes, earning them 6,452 points and thus six movies of their favorite books to watch during indoor recess.  The campaign started with a fun-filled “Bodacious Book Show” on Jan. 26 that inspired kids to pick up books and read. It was followed by a visit from School No. 5 Guest Star Readers that included classroom readings from school community leaders such as Dr. Phyllis Harrington, Mr. Fenter, Dr. Rose, Ms. Bavaro, Mr. Transom, and Mr. Maresca.  That day students also came to school dressed as their favorite book characters.

  It ended on Feb. 9, with an Oscar-style “The Luigi Awards Ceremony” where student-voted, favorite book to film adaptations, were celebrated.  Staff and students arrived dressed to impress, complete with evening gowns, boas, gloves, and plenty of bling. And each student was wearing the star-studded sunglasses they received as a reminder of their acheivement.

Big award winners included “Frozen,” or  “The Snow Queen”, The “Harry Potter” Series, and “The Polar Express.” Staff also shared their favorites, which included “Charlotte’s Web”, “Where The Wild Things Are”, and “Matilda”. As the staff presented the nominees and announced the winners, students came to their feet in thunderous applause as their favorites received the trophy. 

“The manner in which the staff dressed up and played the role for the awards ceremony is such a great demonstration of how much School No. 5’s Principal, Mrs. Provvido and her staff support the PTA,” said Mary DiGiovanna, School #5 PTA PARP Committee Chair. “And how much they truly love their students and will do anything to get them excited about learning and reading. They created such energy and buzz around the campaign. We are so grateful for them.”