One District, One Book highlight of National Reading Month
One of the key highlights is the One District, One Book initiative, which includes all five elementary schools. Running from March 17 to April 9, the program features two books: Kindergarten through third-grade students are reading Zoey and Sassafras: Dragons and Marshmallows by Asia Citro, while fourth through sixth graders are reading Wishtree by Katherine Applegate.
According to Amy Mahunik, the district’s assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, the books were chosen in part from feedback from teachers and because they offer positive messages and tie into science and inclusion.
Mahunik said One District, One Book serves two purposes: “To provide opportunities for developing literacy (skills) but more importantly to help them find the joy in reading.”
"School often becomes very focused on skills and assessments, sometimes at the expense of the joy of learning," Mahunik added. "Working alongside librarians, our teachers have been making a strong effort to ensure that joy remains a key part of our district's literacy programs. This initiative not only helps bring that joy back but also engages families, allowing them to be part of the experience."
Students are invited to read a certain amount of pages each weekday and with their families can participate in three book talk events. Mahunik hopes families embrace the opportunity and the initiative creates, “A greater sense of community engagement with our families and strengthens that connection between home and school and just pure enjoyment, both from the families, the students, and our staff.”
Throughout the district, schools are involved in fun activities to encourage reading. At Genesee Elementary, if students read 3,000 books, the school’s principals will go through a color chalk walk. Throughout the school year, community members come to Genesee to read to students as part of the Book Buddies program in coordination with the United Way of Cayuga County. At Herman Avenue Elementary, guest readers have read to students, including members of the Auburn High School football team.
The district’s elementary schools are participating in fun activities such as DEAR (Drop Everything and Read) drills and "Dress Like A Book Character."
Seward Elementary’s Reading Month activities are a collaborative effort with the library and the teachers and include themed Fridays such as "Read A Shirt Day" and "Cuddle Up Day-Wear PJs.” There is a book trade event, a buddy reading event (where older students read to younger ones), and Battle of the Books, in which classes will read and vote for books with a March Madness-style bracket to determine a winner.
As part of the district’s visiting author series, children’s book author and illustrator Matthew McElligott came to elementary schools to read his books to students and discuss his creative process.
McElligott’s appearances and the district’s other activities show how important improving literacy skills and creating the joy of reading are to the district.
"Our schools are doing a fantastic job making the most of Reading Month," Mahunik said. "We've hosted a visiting author, organized various reading activities, welcomed guest readers, and encouraged partner reading. It has been a great opportunity to step back, celebrate literacy, ensure everyone has access to books, and engage with the broader community."
-- Christopher Sciria / AECSD Public Information Specialist
