Read to Me, Dad! Program at Suburban Park Elementary

The power of reading together was on full display between fathers and their children. On January 22, 2026, Suburban Park Elementary School hosted their annual “Read to Me, Dad!” program for all dads/guardians of scholars in PreK through Grade 5. 

“The Suburban Park dads made the time to attend, and they showed up for their scholars,” said Principal Andrea Jennings. “The program filled the school with laughter, conversation, and the magic of reading as scholars and their dads/guardians enjoyed breakfast together and gathered for an uplifting program in the gym. 

Pastor Mike Roberts from, The Mount Global at Portsmouth, delivered an inspirationalmessage about the importance of dads not only being present but the vital link toreading daily to their children. 

Mary Ellen Paul, the SPES Reading Specialist, read Love, Dad by Dr. Joel Walsh & Andrew Gardner for everyone to enjoy. This book helped to set the tone for the literacy action to commence.

Each of the fathers and father figures read a book to their child by engaging in 20minute station rotations. Then students moved to other stations where they took part ingradelevel reading and comprehension activities as well as heard more stories from dads for their enjoyment. 

During the event, the activities were set up so that the dads had the opportunity to see Lexia a web-based literacy program that allowed students to complete targeted units on their laptops and devices. 

“Making meaningful family connections and seeing the proud smiles on the young scholars faces revealed how powerful reading together can be,” said Principal Jennings. In her closing remarks she made it clear, “when families read together, our whole school shines brighter.”

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