West School Students Celebrate International Day

New Canaan Public Schools: For the past three years, West School has been joining in a global celebration called International Dot Day, an event inspired by the Peter H. Reynolds children’s book, “The Dot.” In the award-winning book, a young, doubting student is encouraged by a caring teacher to make her mark in the world, a mark that begins with a small dot on a piece of paper and transforms into a breakthrough in confidence and courage. Every student at West, from preschool through fourth grade, has read “The Dot,” and during International Dot Day, celebrated at the school this year on September 13, students created their own artworks on paper plates. These decorated plates are currently exhibited on bulletin boards throughout the school for students and visitors to enjoy.

International Dot Day is celebrated annually by over 20 million people, young and old, in 177 countries. “Our celebration at West mirrors the book’s positive message by encouraging individual creativity, allowing students to think outside of the box, and providing opportunities for teachers to empower student expression,” explained Patrick Murren, West School Library Media Specialist, who spearheads the school-wide initiative. West School has also celebrated Peter H. Reynolds’ books through its “Proud to Read Aloud” program which encourages West School families to continue to read books aloud to their children at home. Two of the author’s books, “The North Star” and “The Word Collector” have been incorporated into the program. “The response from students and families has been overwhelmingly positive, as these two books are so thoughtful and inspiring,” said Murren. “Weare also planning on bringing the author to New Canaan for a very special visit with the students
sometime in April of next year,” he added.