One Book, Two Schools invites all Jasper Elementary students to reading initiative
Students at Ireland Elementary School and Jasper Elementary School will read a book together this month for a special project called “One Book, Two Schools.”
Every student in the two schools received a copy of Mysteries According to Humphrey on Friday, Jan. 31, so they could participate in an all-school book club. Students at all grade levels at both schools will listen to and/or read the same book from January 31st to February 21st.
The One Book Two School committee, which includes both teachers and parents, read several books to determine which one would be a great fit for the event. Mysteries, According to Humphrey, is a fun, easy-to-read book that keeps students engaged with its mystery theme, making it interesting for all ages,” said Ireland Elementary Principal Shannon Bauer.
Humphrey is a hamster living in Room 26 at Longfellow Elementary School. Each weekend, he gets to go home with a different student in the classroom. He has many adventures and learning experiences as he observes the students and spends nights exploring the school.
According to Mrs. Bauer, the book emphasizes character traits teachers instill in students daily, such as cooperation, kindness, and perseverance.
Mysteries According to Humphrey is part of a 13-book series of chapter books from author Betty G. Birney.
“Since it’s part of a series, students who enjoy it may be encouraged to read more Humphrey books,” Mrs. Bauer added. “Fostering a love for reading is the whole purpose of this event!
Along with the book, a recommended reading schedule was shared to allow students to discuss the book with their peers in class over the next three weeks. On the school website are recordings of the readings from each day, read aloud by teachers.
Along with the daily reading, there will be daily trivia during lunch. Nearly 50 Dubois County businesses and groups will also have trivia questions. Posters on the doors and windows of participating local businesses will let students know they can politely ask for trivia questions related to the book.
Those businesses include local restaurants, downtown businesses, many medical professionals, grocery stores, the Jasper Public Library, dance studios and more.
Jasper Mayor Dean Vonderheide made a special proclamation via video on Friday to launch the month-long initiative.
“Our Jasper community values the importance of education, fostering a love of reading, and bringing students together through shared experiences,” he said in the video. “This program will allow you to engage in conversations with your peers, share ideas and build connections.”
With the support of families and the community, GJCS aims to build a community of readers and make the next few weeks a time when everyone is talking about adventures taking place in the book.
