The children at the Apalachin Elementary School kicked off their Parents As Reading Partners (PARP) program with posters showing the favorite books of celebrities, administrators, and community helpers. The school staff including teachers, aids, cafeteria workers and school nurse also encouraged the students to read by posting what their favorite book was and why they liked it.

On the walls, the students placed markers shaped like feet, sneakers, sandals, taxi cabs, Model T Fords, camels, surf boards, and dog sleds. Each marker represented five books read. The markers guided the children on a path around the world, following the Social Studies curriculums for Kindergarten through Grade 5.

The students started their trip around the world at the school, then moved on to New York City (5th Grade Social Studies). Next, they proceeded to Ireland (Kindergarten and 1st Grade - St. Patrick's Day) and on to England (Kindergarten and 1st Grade - Pilgrims). From there, they went to the desert (3rd Grade - Egypt) and to the rainforest (3rd Grade - Africa). They moved on to Hawaii (2nd Grade - hot lands) and then to Alaska (2nd Grade - cold lands). The last leg of the journey led the students to the Erie Canal (4th Grade) and back home. It took two thousand books to get around the world and back.

With the help of special readers - administrators and employees from Lockheed Martin - who took time out of their busy schedules to read to the students - they made it!

	The students listen as Mrs. Espe of Lockheed Martin reads to them.
	Markers shaped like taxi cabs and Model T Fords guide the students through New York City on their trip 'around the world.'
	Mrs. Holden of the Parent Group helps the students reach their goal of reading 2000 books.