Heritage Elementary School

At 2:45 p.m. each day, shortly before the dismissal bell rings at Heritage Elementary School (HES), the hallways and classroom chatter suddenly go silent.

That’s when librarian Emily Wallace goes on the loudspeaker and begins to call student names.

Suddenly, the pitter patter of feet can be heard, and soon students emerge hurrying to the library.

Why the excitement?

If their name is called, it means that they have answered the daily One School One Book trivia question. One School One Book is a month-long school wide event that invites families and staff to read a book together, one chapter per night. For reading and getting the trivia question correct, students get to choose from an array of cool superhero-related prizes – superhero masks, superhero keyrings, or even a mystery ink pen.

But the goal of the event is much more than receiving prizes.

“The goal is to all come together to build our literacy skills, but also partner together to just enjoy reading with families and building that home-to-school connection,” said Principal Jill Hemme.

To make One School One Book even more fun, the school also developed different at-home activities, such as building a superhero fort at home or making a superhero cape. They also have a day coming up where students and staff can wear their favorite superhero. In February, the school will be hosting a One School One School family celebration night.

Now in its second year at HES, both families and students love it and are enjoying this year’s book, “Almost Super,” a book about children who at age 12 get a superpower.

“Families have been so excited about this book,” Hemme added. “It’s just been really fun seeing the whole school community involved.”

The school also made sure that every student was included.

“All of our teachers also volunteered to read one chapter, which we share through flip grids.” said HES learning liaison Stacy Kuhlmann.

She said that these flip grids, or video recordings, can be used by families with younger students who are learning to read, or if the family has a busy schedule that evening.

So, ultimately, what impact is this program having on the students of HES? Third grade Neely Warren explains it pretty clearly.

“I like [the book] because every page you turn is so exciting,” she said. “I can’t stop reading.”