Parents and students from the Highland Park Community and beyond will gather at MEHP’s Open House and Family Literacy Night on Aug. 19 from 5-7 p.m. Students and parents will have an opportunity to hear local author Janie Dempsey Watts read her book “Pap Pap Goes to Paris: And So Does Ricky.” Parents will also be able to see their students’ writing they have already completed this school year. Students will experience hands-on learning by creating trading cards and bookmarks.
Ms. Watts is a local author who has won awards for her short fiction. Ms. Watts has also written a novel “Moon over Taylor’s Ridge” as well as being published in newspapers and magazines. In addition to these accomplishments, she has authored five screenplays. According to her website, janiewatts.com, Ms. Watts enjoys caring for horses on her and her husband’s farm. “Pap Pap Goes to Paris: And So Does Ricky” is a "delightful tale about a five-year-old boy and his grandfather who wish to climb the Eiffel Tower together. After convincing his parents, Ricky and his Grandfather embark on the journey of a lifetime – learning valuable lessons along the way."
“Parents are key to a child’s development, reading is not something that develops naturally in children,” Dr. Lovey, MEHP’s chief administrative officer said. “There is no right or wrong way to read to your child. Read any and everything to your child. You can also tell your child stories and play games. Stories and games not only engage your child but they also help develop a connection between letters, sounds, and reading. MEHP Literacy Night is designed to help parents engage with their children over books and reading activities. We will have read-alouds, a bookmark-making station, and several different writing stations where students can share their comic strips and character cards, emphasizing the independent nature of Montessori. Children are drawn to a variety of genres and this choice will not only encourage students to explore different genres but also nurture their confidence and interests.”
More details about this event and others can be found at: mehp.org.