We are ready to celebrate National Summer Learning Week tomorrow at our Read-A-Palooza Summer Learning Block Party! Here’s everything you need to know, plus a list of organizations and activities you can expect to find when you arrive.
LOCATION: This is important! The party is at The W.G. Pearson Center, which is located at 600 E. Umstead Rd. This is a different location from W.G. Pearson Elementary!
WEATHER: We’re keeping a close eye on the forecast. The good news is that the party is ON, rain or shine! If the weather doesn’t look good, we’ll move into the gym. Check Facebook or Instagram after noon on Friday for an announcement if we need to move inside. Or just come out — we’ll be there no matter what!
ADMISSION: Read-A-Palooza is free and open to the public! All the books and activities are free, and so are the pizza and popsicles!
WHAT TO EXPECT: It’s a long list!
Free books for kids from birth to high school — of course! Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Durham’s Campaign for Grade-Level Reading and Durham 150, we have over 800 brand new diverse and inclusive books available. We want to make sure all kids who attend can find books with characters whose lives resemble theirs as well as books through which they can explore worlds different from their own. Challenge your kids to find a book with characters who look like them and their friends!
YMCA of the Triangle! Kids can join in a special Pound fitness class starting at 4:15 — so make sure to wear your sneakers and comfortable clothes, and get ready to sweat! P.S. The Red Rover mobile fitness studio will be there!
The Scrap Exchange! What would your kids make with (seemingly) unlimited creative reuse supplies? Now’s your chance to find out. Let your kids unleash their inner artists and create to their hearts’ content!
DurhamByUs! In honor of Durham’s 150’s birthday, kids can help create a book celebrating Durham, its history, and its people. The books will be shared in libraries, schools, and community centers at the end of the year!
Nasher Museum of Art! If you’ve never visited this gem right in the middle of Duke’s campus, what are you waiting for? Their weekly Kids’ Studios and quarterly Free Family Days are just a few of the amazing opportunities they provide for budding artists to learn and create.
Student U! This team empowers students in the Durham Public Schools to own their education by developing the academic skills and personal well-being necessary to succeed in college and beyond. Visit their “Share Your Brilliance” photo booth.
Child Care Services Association/Durham PreK! Durham County Government has committed to expanding access to high-quality, publicly supported pre-kindergarten. Stop by to learn more about pre-k!
Duke Early Experiences and the Developing Brain Lab! Brain games! The DEED Lab believes the foundations of sound mental and physical health are built very early in life. And a bonus: they’ll be doing facepainting!
CIRCLE Lab at UNC Chapel Hill! Got a brainy kid? Stop by to learn more about brain development, play pin the tail on the neuron, and take home books about the brain!
Durham Technical Community College! Learn more about this incredible resource for learners of all ages right here in the city.
City of Durham Transportation Department! Transportation for kids? That means bikes, of course! Stop by to pick up giveaways and learn about traffic and bike safety.
Durham Public Schools! Talk to experts on early literacy and English as a Second Language in Durham Public Schools, as well as pick up helpful handouts and updates on the DPS Strategic Plan.
Durham Parks and Rec! Two words: Play More! Durham Parks and Rec has so many ways to help keep your kids active and entertained during the summer and year-round.
Durham’s Partnership for Children/Durham’s Campaign for Grade-Level Reading! Learn more about all that these organizations have to offer to kids in Durham.
Durham Early Head Start! See what this organization has to offer for our city’s littlest residents.
A performance by Oxente, Durham’s own Brazilian Drumming Group!
And did we mention CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG and DOGMAN will be there?!?
We hope you will be, too! SEE YOU TOMORROW!