All Great Falls Elementary School students, for the third year in a row, have been sharing in a common read aloud, known as One School, One Book during the month of January.
This initiative involves the entire school community from kindergarten students all the way up through the school staff, all for the love of reading.
Great Falls’ initial read aloud book was “The One and Only Ivan,” by Katherine Applegate. Last year, everyone read “Because of Winn-Dixie,” by Kate DiCamillo. This year’s book, announced during a school-wide assembly, is “Mr. Popper’s Penguins,” by Richard and Florence Atwater.
Photo credit Stacey SawyerPrincipal Becky Fortier dressed the part for Great Falls Elementary’s One School, One Book kick-off assembly.
The book is kept a secret from students until the annual kick-off assembly. After the winter vacation in December, each class started reading the book together, according to a shared schedule.
Weekly trivia questions and prizes help keep students excited, and Superintendent Heather Perry and Assistant Superintendent Chris Record visited during January to read part of “Mr. Popper’s Penguins” aloud to several classes.
One School, One Book culminated this year during the Family Celebration Night on February 2. Excitement builds more each year as One School, One Book has become a tradition at Great Falls and something to look forward to each winter as every student is given a book to keep.
This project would not be possible without the help of community sponsors. Great Falls would like to thank Gorham Savings Bank, Casco Federal Credit Union, and Norway Savings Bank.