by Gina Greco
Town of Webb school elementary students reached their goal for Picking A Reading Partner (PARP) on Tuesday, March 15th.
“PARP is a four week program that encourages parents to read with their children,” said Webb teacher Judy Ehrensbeck.
Photos by Gina Greco
Garrett and Principal
John Swick
“The overall goal is for 85 percent of K-5 students to participate in all four weeks,” Ms. Ehrensbeck said.
The teachers kept track of each class’ percentages over the four weeks.
“Three classes had 100 percent participation for all four weeks—kindergarten, first and second. The other classes had 93 percent participation over the four weeks,” Ms. Ehrensbeck said.
“We asked them to read fifteen minutes a day, five days a week,” she said.
Cory Yager as Batman
If the students read the entire five days a week for fifteen minutes a day, they earn a theme-based prize for that week, she said.
This year’s theme was “Superheroes.”
During the finale on Wednesday, March 16th, the students were invited to VIEW to watch the superhero-themed movie, “The Incredibles.”
“And for the Grand Finale, administrators—Principal John Swick and Superintendent Rex Germer—challenged each other to feats of superhuman ability,” said Ms. Ehrensbeck.
The challenge took place in Webb school’s auxiliary gym.
It consisted of three rounds—archery, pizza eating, and badminton.
“Because we met our challenge, they competed against each other, or their alter egos, Batman and Superman, stepped in,” Ms. Ehrensbeck said.
Mr. Swick—who also played Superman—and Superintendent Germer began the challenge, she said.
Mr. Germer was called out by Town of Webb police officer Kevin Birtle for an emergency shortly after the challenge began.
“The students noticed the Bat Signal was shown on the ceiling. Batman, played by Webb cafeteria manager Cory Yager, swooped down from the balcony to save the day. Superman had his sidekick Supergirl (played by Marie Candee) ready if he needed assistance,” Ms. Ehrensbeck said.
The champion of the challenge was Mr. Swick.
“This year was a good program; very successful. We are thrilled so many students participated,” Ms. Ehrensbeck said.
“It was a huge success,” she concluded.
