Harry Potter-Themed Reading Week Delights Students At Northside Elementary School

LEVITTOWN, NY. — Northside Elementary became a school of witchcraft and wizardry this week, celebrating Pick A Reading Partner week with a Harry Potter theme.

PARP week is a New York state initiative that aims to increase literacy education in kids. The program seeks to instill a love of and familiarity with reading by encouraging students to read for 20 minutes a day with a partner who’s in their life, be that a parent, sibling, cousin, grandparent or friend. Materials are also available for individuals looking to participate in PARP week virtually.

The weeklong celebration was officially dubbed “The Wizarding World of Reading” by the PTA, beginning with an assembly for grades K to 2 that featured a magic show.

After the assembly, there was also a “Sorting Hat Day,” wherein students were able to don their most outlandish hats and hairstyles in an homage to the Harry Potter franchise’s famous sorting hat.

Other themed days included potions day — featuring green, purple and silver outfits from students — pajama day and “Defense Against the Dark Arts” day, a special day where students were encouraged to wear their wizarding robes to school and keep a flashlight in hand for some reading.

Finally, PARP week will wrap up Friday with a Hogwarts house day, encouraging students to wear the colors of the four houses from the Harry Potter franchise: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin.