On June 5, the Rhame Avenue Elementary School community came together for a schoolwide Zumba Challenge, the energetic grand finale of this year's PARP (Pick A Reading Partner) program.

The month-long initiative was led by Rhame's literacy team of Sherina Lugo, Michelle Rodgers and Anthony Weber.  This year's program was centered around the theme Reading for Wellness. The theme challenged students to explore the connection between literacy and healthy habits, encouraging them to see reading as an exercise for the mind just as physical activity strengthens the body.

The results spoke for themselves. Rhame Avenue students collectively logged more than 50,000 reading minutes throughout the month, a remarkable achievement that reflected their teamwork, dedication and commitment to literacy.

The Zumba Challenge was their well-earned reward. Led by a Rhame Avenue parent who is also a certified Zumba instructor and complete with a DJ and MC, the high-energy event brought the program's dual themes to life in the most celebratory way possible, uniting the school community in movement, music and school spirit.

It was a fitting conclusion to a program that reminded students reading and wellness go hand in hand. The East Rockaway community is incredibly proud of every young reader who rose to the challenge. Keep reading!