Newspaper media provide one way to motivate students' parents to be in tune with the whys, the hows, the wherefores, and the importance of reading. For example, in the Phoenixville Area School District (Pennsylvania), the reading department writes a monthly column for parents in the local newspaper. The column's topics are based on data gathered from parent surveys, parent advisory meetings, and reading department staff meetings. A crossword puzzle for children is always included. The reading department also uses "Make and Take" workshops. These involve parents coming to school and making reading games to take home to use with their children. In addition, parents are invited to come into the elementary schools during 1 week of the year for the "Parents as Reading Partners" program. At this time, parents read a story or a book to a class. This activity impresses upon the children the importance of reading. Still another project is the "Book Swap 'n Shop," in which children bring used books to school to be exchanged for other books. By working with and reaching parents, the schools have been able to reach more children and to improve children's reading test scores. (HOD)