Credit: Kellie Francello/Hatboro-Horsham School District.
Police officers, local lawmakers and community leaders came together earlier this month to help students at Blair Mill Elementary School celebrate reading as part of a schoolwide literacy initiative.
The event marked the launch of Hatboro-Horsham School District's “One School, One Book” program, held in conjunction with Read Across America Day, a nationwide effort inspired by author Dr. Seuss to encourage children to develop a love for reading.
Community guests, including Sen. Maria Collett, Melissa Cerrato, officers from the Horsham Township Police Department, school board members and administrators from the Hatboro-Horsham School District, visited classrooms to read the first chapter of this year’s featured book, School Days According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney.
“This program encourages families to engage in a shared reading experience, and creates a stronger connection between home and school,” said Principal Dr. Elisha Gee.
The goal of the program is to bring families, educators and the community together through a shared reading experience. Each family at the school will receive a copy of the book so students can continue reading at home throughout the month.
Students also got a surprise introduction to a real hamster named Humphrey, inspired by the book’s main character. The class pet will live at the school during the week and rotate homes with students on weekends, giving them a chance to help care for him.
The kickoff celebration also included a nod to Dr. Seuss’ birthday, with guests enjoying cake and cupcakes before heading into classrooms to read with students.
Throughout March, the school will continue the program with daily trivia questions, classroom read-alouds and writing activities tied to the story, keeping the momentum going as students move through the book together.
