If students meet the reading goals, the principal will kiss a real, live pig! At Overlook Elementary School’s One School, One Book, as part of the school’s Read Across America event on Dr. Seuss’s birthday, local community leaders gathered to help celebrate the importance of reading and literacy in Abington Schools.
This annual celebration is designed to commemorate reading, learning, and community. The special guests introduced this year’s book selection, The Adventures of a South Pole Pig: A novel of snow and courage, by Chris Kurtz, and read aloud the first chapter in individual classrooms to generate excitement.
Every family received a FREE copy of the book to read to their children following the big event today. The program is designed to create a shared reading experience within the school community, part of the school’s initiative to encourage families to read together at home. Throughout the month, there are daily trivia questions, a website where students can listen to their favorite teachers read aloud from the book, and a shared class writing journal. If the school meets its goals, the principal will be “kissing a pig.”
In addition, the school’s Student Council will be capturing the theme from this year’s chosen book by sponsoring the READ TO FEED PROJECT in which students will raise money as they are reading the book to help purchase “pigs” and other livestock for struggling families who have few resources and need an ongoing source of income. This is in partnership with Heifer International.
A reception was held prior to visiting the classrooms, including a Dr. Seuss birthday cake, with students and teachers.
COMMUNITY LEADER READERS INCLUDED:
Senator Art Haywood/Pennsylvania State Senator
Chief Bill Kelly/ Abington Township Police Department
Dr. Jeffrey Fecher/Abington School District Assistant Superintendent
Firefighter Sean Blake/Abington Fire Company
Officer Roger Gillispie/Abington Township Police Department
Chief Michael Jones/Abington Fire Company
Fire Marshall Jeff Glynn/Abington Township
Commissioner Tom Hecker/Abington Township, Ward 10
Dr. Kelly Doyle/Abington Supervisor of Communication Arts, Elementary
Rev. Brian Brown/Christ Centered Church
Captain Richard Jones/Abington Fire Company
Battalion Chief Brad Nash/Abington Fire Company
Rev. Jerome Coleman/First Baptist Church of Crestmont
Mrs. Patricia Botero/Overlook PTO President
Ms. Tamika Holland Overlook Staff
Mrs. Michele Smeal/Overlook PTO President
Mr. Joshua Perlman/Overlook Elementary Curriculum Specialist
Dr. James Melchor/Abington Assistant Director of Curriculum
Lt. Kelley Warner/Abington Township Police Department
Fire Fighters Glen Cotton, Robert St. Ledger/Abington Fire Company