Hawley One School One Read

Will Be From A Hamster’s Perspective

By Eliza Hallabeck

Hawley Elementary School Principal Jo-Anne Peters acknowledged the excitement she felt from the students before her on Monday, October 4, as the school gathered to hear what this year’s One School One Read book will be at Hawley.

Ms Peters thanked PTA members Kris Cotton and Carolyn Faxon for creating the book-themed decorations in the school’s foyer that helped prepare students for the One School One Read kick-off event. Sandy Hook Elementary School also started its annual One School One Read program this week. (See the related story in this week’s Bee.)

“This morning we have some very exciting things to share with you,” she said, and the first thing to do was wrap up summer by celebrating the school’s summer readers.

Hawley Librarian Doris Papp announced the names of each student at the school who completed the summer reading requirements over the 2010 summer break. Ms Papp acknowledged students by grade level, and asked each student to stand for applause when his or her name was announced. As a special summer reading program gift this year, Mrs Papp said each student will receive a pin created by Hawley student Brennan Mayor for the program. Brennan was also recognized before the whole school for his effort in creating the pin.

After the summer readers were recognized, Ms Peters introduced a faculty skit to preview this year’s One School One Read book.

The One School One Read program gives each student the chance to read the same book over the course of one month at the school. Activities are completed in the classrooms, packets are sent home to parents, and special events are held in the school as part of the program.

“You can learn a lot about life when observing another species,” the skit began, “and that was what Humphrey was told when he first came to Room 26.”

Students watched as the skit unveiled this year’s One School One Read book as Life According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney. Humphrey, a hamster, narrates the novel and describes life as a classroom pet.

Last year’s One School One Read at Hawley was The Trumpet Of The Swan, by E.B. White.