By Amanda Meloy
Lindbergh Elementary School

On Feb. 15 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.

The theme this year was “We Stand Together.” 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 the song, “We are the World.”

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 families, Senator Mark Miller, Representative Melissa Sargent, School Board Member Anna Moffit, Claude Gilmore, John Givens and East High School students.

Additionally, teachers and students celebrated with buddy reading. For example, third-graders read to kindergartners. Other teachers and students celebrated with door decorations.