Flossmoor Hills Students Step Into The World Of Charlotte’s Web

FLOSSMOOR, IL — Something special recently happened at Flossmoor Hills School.

Students throughout the building settled in and listened as Superintendent Dr. Terrance Sanders read the first chapter of Charlotte's Web over the school intercom, officially kicking off the school's One School, One Book experience on Sept. 16.

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For a few minutes, it felt as though the entire school had been transformed into Zuckerman's farm. Classrooms became listening spaces, and students across the building hung on every word. You could have heard a pin drop.

The kickoff marked the beginning of a schoolwide reading adventure that will take students through E.B. White's beloved story of friendship, courage, and kindness. Throughout the experience, students read along with their classmates and teachers, talk about the story, and discover what happens next.

One of my favorite parts of One School, One Book is seeing the excitement build as our students experience the same story together," said Lisa Ciesielski, Reading Specialist. "Charlotte's Web gives us a chance to make reading feel special, not because there is an assignment or a test attached to it, but simply because reading can be fun. I love hearing students talk about the characters in the hallways, wondering what will happen next, and knowing that families are sharing the experience at home, too. More than anything, I hope this experience encourages our students and families to read together, talk about books, and discover the joy of getting lost in a great story.

Flossmoor Hills' Reading Squad includes Reading Specialists Lisa Ciesielski, Danielle Payne, and Brian Wetherald, who have also added a little extra magic to the experience. A collection of stuffed animals representing characters from Charlotte's Web will travel from classroom to classroom throughout the One School, One Book experience, giving students another way to connect with the characters and story as they move through the book.

Evita McNeil-Dobson, Principal of Flossmoor Hills School, said the goal is to make the experience something students can truly feel a part of.

"We wanted to create an experience where the story comes alive throughout the school," said McNeil-Dobson. "When students see the characters, hear the story, and talk about what they are reading with their classmates and teachers, it becomes something we are experiencing together. That is the joy of One School, One Book."

If the kickoff was any indication, Flossmoor Hills students are ready to see where Wilbur, Charlotte, and the rest of the farm take them next. The adventure continues throughout October as students read, share, and discover Charlotte's Web together. The journey will culminate on October 21 with an all-school Charlotte's Web-themed Literacy Night, bringing students and families together to celebrate the story and the joy of reading.