There were no touchdowns being scored but there was still a win to celebrate as Massapequa High School’s turf field transformed into a reading paradise on Oct. 5. The inaugural Reading Under the Lights was a collaboration between high school students and their elementary school peers to celebrate literacy.
The win was the connection made between the district’s oldest and youngest students over books. About 175 kindergarten, first and second graders from the district’s six elementary schools signed up, and were encouraged to bring a blanket and a stuffed animal. They were paired with high school students from the football team, cheerleading squad, Chiefettes kickline team and pep band.
The high school students read aloud to the youngsters, some together in large groups and others paired one-on-one. The high schoolers could bring a favorite childhood books to read or grab one of the dozens of books provided by the elementary school library media specialists.
The event was coordinated by Unqua Elementary School fourth grade teacher Jessica Shippos, who said she learned about a similar event at a school in Texas, and Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Services Dr. Michelle Walsh. Also supporting the endeavor were Superintendent Dr. William Brennan, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Brian Trapani, Curriculum Associate for English Language Arts and Library Media Tina Farrell, Supervisor of Literacy Patricia Quinn-Hendry, Director of Physical Education, Health and Athletics Matt McLees and High School Executive Assistant to the Principal Michael Brzezinski, as well as coaches and the Booster Club. About 40 teachers volunteered as they helped check in students and supervised the field. High school students were able to earn community service hours.
“This event embodies Massapequa,” Ms. Shippos said. “It brought everybody together in such a positive way. It really showcased the importance of literacy, the love of learning and our school spirit.”