Hawley Launches One School One Read

By Laurie Borst

On the morning of Friday, September 29, the entire student population at Hawley School gathered in the gymnasium/auditorium. The students were anticipating the announcement of the book they would read for the “One School One Read” program this year.

Before the build-up to the announcement began, Doris Papp from the library/media center announced the results of the Summer Reading Program. Mrs Papp read off the names of the 162 students that read books over the summer. These 162 children read a total of 3,062 books!

When Mrs Papp finished, Principal Jo-Ann Peters told the assembly that everyone at Hawley School has a copy of the One School One Read book. Every student, teacher, support staff member, secretaries, the nurse, and the custodians will read the same book during the month of October.

The excitement in the room was palpable as second grade teachers Annie Fries and Brandy Oatis used a PowerPoint presentation to provide clues as to the book’s title. First a castle was shown, and the students were encouraged to identify the pictures. Then a mouse followed. Next was a princess.

Last, a red ribbon came on the screen. Students called out “ribbon” and Mrs Hiruo asked what color? One girl said pink. Ms Fries said, no, darker, to which the girl replied magenta. Somebody has the big box of Crayolas at home.

Finally, the title was revealed: The Tale of Despereaux. Despereaux is a mouse born in a castle to a less than welcoming family. The tale follows his adventures. To find out all that happens to him, you will have to read the book.

Keeping with Hawley tradition, Mrs Peters read the first chapter of the story while teachers acted out Readers Theater on the stage. After the chapter was read, Ms Fries asked the children questions about it. Throughout October, the students will read and discuss the book together.