Madison schools encourage African American, black parent involvement with reading program
"Read Your Heart Out" returns Feb. 14
![Classroom_Books[1]](https://www.old.channel3000.com/content/uploads/2020/02/Classroom_Books1.jpg)
MADISON, WI– This year, February 14 is not only Valentine’s Day, but National African American Parent Involvement Day. The annual event is an opportunity for all parents to visit their child’s school, learn what their day is like, and support their child’s educational future.
The day was created to address the achievement gap facing African American students. It also encourages all parents and students to take advantage of everything their school has to offer, from preschool through college.
Once again, Madison-area schools are marking National African American Parent Involvement Day with a special event, called “Read Your Heart Out.” Community members of all ages and races are invited to participate.
“Read Your Heart Out” was first held at Midvale Elementary School in 2004 and has since branched out to include 27 MMSD elementary schools. The event has now spread statewide to include schools in other Wisconsin districts.
“This is a specific outreach to African American and Black families and community members,” said Rosa Thompson, Advanced Learning Teacher Leader at Schenk Elementary school. “We create a connection through literacy by using culturally responsive texts that feature African American and Black protagonists, authors, and illustrators.”
2020 marks Schenk’s 8th year participating in “Read Your Heart Out.”
