The 186th Street Elementary School students, staff, and parents enjoyed a Reading Pajama Party to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday on Friday, March 6 with a reading celebration and a movie. Back to read and promote literacy, by popular demand, were our NFL football moms from the Western Region of the Professional Football Players Mothers Association (PFPMA).
The 186th Street Elementary School students, staff, and parents enjoyed a Reading Pajama Party to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday on Friday, March 6 with a reading celebration and a movie. Back to read and promote literacy, by popular demand, were our NFL football moms from the Western Region of the Professional Football Players Mothers Association (PFPMA).
Gayle Jackson, the Western Region Coordinator and mother of Washington Redskins and former Philadelphia Eagles star DeSean Jackson, donated her son’s children’s book entitled, No Bullies in the Huddle written with Dr. William T. Hoston and illustrated by Charlie Neerman to the Wise Owl Nation. Mrs. Jackson shared that the book deals with bullying awareness and how students can deal with this problem. LaTonya Scandrick, mother of Orlando Scandrick from the Dallas Cowboys, brought Orlando’s five-year-old twin daughters to join in the fun; DeSean’s aunt, Hattie Davis, also supported the reading party. This is the fourth year the NFL moms have come to read to the little owls.
Students were able to enjoy a choice of stories read by students, teachers, and the NFL moms in different rooms with themes to promote a college-going culture at the beginning of the event. The students heard fairytales in the USC Trojans' Arena, animal stories in the UCLA Bruins' Den, stories of peace to share an appreciation for diversity in the LMU Lions' Lair, and story time with Dr. Seuss in the Arts Academy with the NFL moms.
After the students finished listening to the stories, they received a free book to increase their pleasure reading libraries at home and support the academic play of reading 15-30 minutes every evening called by Principal Reed. The play is called Operation R.E.E.D. (Read Every Evening Diligently).
The highlight of the evening was having the children bring their sleeping bags into the auditorium, sit on the floor with their friends, and culminate the Reading Pajama Party with popcorn and watching Disney’s movie Big Hero 6. The room was filled with excited children and supportive parents. The sight of students and parents enjoying an evening of quality entertainment and family fun time made the event a great success of Reading Across America.
— Marcia Sidney-Reed, Principal
