One School, One Book

Teacher Melissa Yekulis holds up a copy of Animal Stories: One Story for Every Day of the Week, published by Igloo Books, illustrated by Chiara Fiorentino.

submitted by Widad Luqman, Principal, Luther C. Klager Elementary School and Director of Manchester Early Childhood Center 

Luther C. Klager Elementary School has always been a beacon of educational excellence. This year, the school has taken a significant step forward in promoting literacy among its students. Melissa Yekulis, Ellen Supers, Miranda Joynt, and Elizabeth Caron were among the many teachers who worked hard to write grants to acquire local community support for Klager. These grants provided Klager staff and students with new opportunities and launched new initiatives.

This past month, with the support of the Manchester Community School Foundation, the school was able to purchase a book vending machine. Now the school has introduced the “One School, One Book” initiative, a program where every student in the school reads the same book, promoting a sense of unity and shared experience. It encourages discussions at home and in the classroom, fostering a love for reading among students. Every child and adult in MECC, Co-Op, and Klager will be receiving a copy of the children’s book Animal Stories: One Story for Every Day of the Week. In addition to the book, each week a link will be shared with a surprise staff member reading one of the five-minute stories. The video will be shared with students, families, and the community at large to engage students throughout March, the nationally recognized month for reading.

The “One School, One Book” initiative would not have been possible without a generous donation from Worth Repeating. This local business has shown immense support for the community. Worth Repeating’s donation has allowed Klager Elementary to provide each student with a copy of the chosen book, ensuring that every child, regardless of their literacy level or economic background, can participate in this enriching experience. This act of generosity has had a profound impact, bringing the joy of reading into the homes of each student and sparking lively discussions within the community.

Klager Elementary’s “One School, One Book” initiative is more than just a reading program. It is a testament to the power of community collaboration in fostering a love for reading among students. It symbolizes the community’s investment in their children’s education and their shared commitment to promoting literacy, and is a shining example of how schools and local businesses can come together to make a significant impact on education.

“We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Manchester Community Schools Foundation and Worth Repeating for their generous donations that allow us to enhance the educational experience of our students,” said Ms. Luqman, Principal of Klager Elementary and Director of the Manchester Early Childhood Center. “Our educators in Manchester are incredible, and their dedication to our students is limitless. We look forward to many more years of collaboration and the success and continuous growth of all Manchester students.”

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.