One School, One Book unites elementary school

Superintendent Scott Eveslage reads chapter one of “A Boy Called Bat” by Elana K. Arnold to students.

For Read Across America Day, Blair Mill Elementary School celebrated Dr. Seuss’s birthday by participating in the One School, One Book program.

“The annual One School, One Book celebration is meant to commemorate reading, learning and community,” said Principal Elisha Gee. This year’s book selection is A Boy Called Bat by Elana K. Arnold, a heartfelt story about a young boy on the autism spectrum. Every family at Blair Mill Elementary School received a copy of the book, encouraging families to read together at home. Throughout March, students can answer daily trivia questions, listen to their teachers and staff read aloud from the selected book and participate in the class writing journal.

The One School, One Book program kicked off on March 1. Guests from the community, including the police, firefighters, school officials and local representatives, including State Representative Melissa Cerrato, helped introduce this year’s book and read the first chapter to students in their classrooms.

Additionally, there was a small reception and birthday cake for Dr. Seuss for the students, teachers and community members. The Blair Mill Elementary School staff also wore hats to celebrate the “many hats” worn by one of the world’s most beloved authors, Dr. Seuss.

Launched in 1998 by the National Education Association (NEA) and guided by a committee of educators, Read Across America is the nation’s largest celebration of reading.