Mt. Pleasant elementary school students are celebrating National Reading Month in March by reading the same book with their families as part of the nationwide One District, One Book program.
In 2024, students at all five MPPS elementary schools will read “Dog Days: The Carver Chronicles,” about the adventures of a young boy with a talent for soccer and skateboarding, who inadvertently lands in trouble and must babysit a small dog. The book was written by Karen English, Coretta Scott King Honor Award-winner and Kirkus Prize finalist, and illustrated by Laura Freeman.
“Reading together really brings our students and families together, and the One District, One Book program is a great way to help children share a common experience, build family engagement and develop a love for reading that will benefit them for a lifetime,” said Maggie Binder, MPPS’ JrK-5th grade instructional coach-literacy focus. “The Mount Pleasant Public Schools One District, One Book program is such a wonderful opportunity for our students to become better readers as they experience the many joys of reading with their families and classmates.”
Students received their free copy of the book on Friday, March 1. They are encouraged to read at home with their families. The schools are also holding fun-filled celebratory events, including watching a video created by MPPS’ five Oiler Pack therapy dogs, who will – appropriately –introduce the book about a boy and a dog. MPPS staff are also recording themselves reading different chapters of “Dog Days.” Some classes will also enjoy the book with “read-aloud” days.
One District, One Book is a program organized by Read to Them, a literacy nonprofit in Richmond, Virginia, with a mission to build connections across families, schools and communities to cultivate students’ learning and success. More than 3,000 schools in all 50 states have participated in the organization’s reading programs. This is MPPS’ third year participating in the program.
“When students read a common book, they’re building connections with each other, with their families and with their communities,” said MPPS Superintendent Jennifer Verleger, who is recorded reading Chapter 1 of “Dog Days. “One District, One Book is just one of the many ways Mount Pleasant Public Schools helps our students become both great learners and engaged members of our community.,” Reading at home and as a group can help prepare students to thrive and succeed in the classroom and beyond.”
