Troy students share reading journey with classmates, families

The five Troy Community School District 30-C elementary schools are participating in “One School, One Book” this year, joining hundreds of schools nationwide in the literacy program. Each school chooses which book all of their students will read together in class and at home with their families.

Troy Cronin Elementary read “Charlotte’s Web,” by E.B. White; Troy Hofer Elementary read “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” by Roald Dahl; Troy Heritage Trail Elementary read “Ways to Make Sunshine,” by Rene Watson; Troy Shorewood Elementary read, “The Chocolate Touch,” by Patrick Skene Catling; and Troy Craughwell Elementary will announce their book later in the year.

The “One School, One Book” program is resourced through the “Read to Them” organization, which promotes family literacy. When an entire school reads the same book and brings them home to read with their families, the organization states on its website, children feel positive about books and learning, build bigger vocabularies, listen better and longer, and understand concepts better.

Troy Cronin Principal Jill Howard said they bought “Charlotte’s Web” books - some in Spanish - for every staff member and student.

“Our students will be enjoying the story,” she said, “completing activities, and engaging with the text at home and at school.”

“We wanted to involve our families in learning,” Cronin Assistant Principal Katie Hogan said. She added that this is especially important since parents haven’t been able to come into the schools as often during Covid-19.

“With all of us reading the same book, pre-K all the way through fourth grade,” Hogan said, “we will be creating a greater camaraderie among the classrooms. And we thought the interest level in ‘Charlotte’s Web’ would fit all ages, three to ten.”

Cronin created a buzz in the school by posting clues to the identity of the book before it was revealed. Morning announcements contained clues, and “Pet Day” encouraged students and staff to dress as their favorite pet or wear animal clothing. On “Farm Day,” they dressed like a farmer or their favorite farm animal. School staff performed a play for each grade level that was written by the music teacher to kick off the event.

Troy Shorewood held a virtual assembly with a skit for the big reveal of the book. Troy Hofer covered their display case clues in butcher paper and revealed the clues one at a time. Troy Heritage Trail gave clues to their book in their daily announcements, then each teacher opened a wrapped copy of the book during a live whole school e-event.

Troy’s two upper level schools - William B. Orenic Intermediate School and Troy Middle School - are considering participating in the program next school year.