On April 17, our school community gathered at Barnes & Noble for a special celebration of PARP (Pick a Reading Partner) Week. It wasn’t just about the books; it was about the beautiful harmony between literacy and the arts. Our Orchestra, Band, and Chorus students turned the bookstore into a live concert hall, providing the perfect soundtrack for families browsing the shelves!
I asked Mrs. Kelly what her favorite part of the night was, and she said, “Getting to perform after school in a very fun environment!” I also asked another student, “What was the coolest part about playing music in a bookstore instead of a school gym?” The student shared, “Performing music in a bookstore like Barnes & Noble is a completely different experience than a school gym.”
And of course, we couldn’t forget about the power of reading! One of the favorite things about reading is that you get to learn from it. Reading sparks creativity by introducing kids to new worlds, ideas, and possibilities beyond their everyday experiences. Stories can teach valuable life lessons and help children understand different cultures and viewpoints.
There were even kids participating in scavenger hunts—wow, that must have been really fun! When we asked families why they always come to events like this, they shared that it’s all about the joy of watching their children perform and experiencing the fun and harmony created by the band, orchestra, and chorus when they play or sing together.
What a Mighty Mind night filled with music, literacy, and community spirit!
Written By: Olivia Basta and Aaima Chohan
The Publicity Club
