Two Schools, One Big Book Club
The excitement and enthusiasm in the Garfield gym on May 15 was enough to make one think that the 800 students and staff from Hayes and Lincoln Elementaries gathered there were taking part in a huge pep rally for some giant sporting event. It had all the elements: the Rangerman, Garfield cheerleaders and band, even Browns mascot, Chompers. But the event was actually a rally for reading as the two schools celebrated the kickoff of their "Two Schools, One Book" program.
The rally, which also included a skit from the Garfield Drama Club and a video appearance by Superintendent Patterson, was the set-up for the big reveal of the book chosen. Two students unwrapped the book and declared that everyone in both buildings will be reading Betty G. Birney’s “The World According to Humphrey.” And Humphrey even made an appearance!
Two Schools One Book derived from the One School One Book nationwide movement to get kids excited and interested in reading. The program aims to make reading a community and family affair. Hayes and Lincoln students will read the book with their families and staff will read it as well. Books have been given to Central Office administrators and Board of Education members.
The idea is to create a shared experience where students can chat about the book at school and at home. To keep the energy and excitement up as everyone progresses in the book, the schools will be offering incentive prizes for students through raffle tickets. The tickets will be part of a scavenger hunt involving local businesses. Students will look for the hidden Humphrey the Hamster in participating businesses and receive a ticket when they find him.
The two-week program is truly a community affair as lead organizers Stacy Rocco, Regina Bazjer and Molly Dyke asked Lakewood businesses and organizations to contribute with either items or cash to help support the cost of the program. Large donors include Lakewood Rangers Education Foundation, Lakewood Kiwanis and First Federal of Lakewood. Rocco also worked with Bay Village Schools to obtain 160 books from classes in Bay who had already read “The World According to Humphrey.” She plans to pass on our students’ books to another district in similar fashion once the program is over.
At the end of the project, organizers hope to keep the momentum going by offering each student a brand new book to take home for the summer. What a great way to wrap up the school year!