By Amanda Meloy
Lindbergh Elementary School

On Feb. 20 Lindbergh students, staff, families and community members participated in Read Your Heart Out, a celebration that honors African-American Parent Involvement Day and encourages parents of African-American students to be involved in their child’s school and education. It also celebrates African-American history and literature.

At Lindbergh, the entire day was spent as a read-in dedicated to the enjoyment of reading. Staff and students were encouraged to wear their pajamas or other comfortable clothing. We began the day with an assembly highlighting both Lindbergh students and Black history, including inventors. 

Guest readers came to the Lindbergh Library to find books that celebrate and highlight African-American history and literature, then went to classrooms to read aloud to the class. Guest readers included family members, Wisconsin State Superintendent Carolyn Stanford Taylor, Senator Mark Miller, Representative Melissa Sargent, Capitol Hockey players, police and firefighters, and community partners such as Madison Reading Project, TASC and Catholic Charities. Teachers and students celebrated with door decorations, bulletin boards, art and music that highlighted the important contributions made by African-Americans.