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Buena Vista students, parents, and families gathered in Glen Maury Park on Nov. 2 to celebrate the end of Buena Vista schools’ month-long “One School One Book” event with crafts, prizes, and food.
Throughout the month of October, students were encouraged to read “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,” by C.S. Lewis, copies of which were provided by the schools.
“For each chapter, each night, of reading, the students visited local businesses. They got a stamp in their passport and trinket, and they brought their completed passports to the event and got prizes,” said Dr. Gennifer Miller, assistant superintendent of instruction.
“It was a way to involve the community, and get the word out about some of our local businesses. It really was a community event,” Miller said.
Students visited Flowers & Things, Coiner Country Store, Straws, Vinyl cuts, Glamour Hut, the BeeVe, and City National Bank, among others.
“It was a really fun experience to have kids of all ages running into our shop - some with parents and some on their own,” Madeleine Wells, manager at the BeeVe, told The News-Gazette.
“It was also amazing to see how much it supported the local businesses as well, and we noticed a definitely increase of business in those first few days of being ‘the stop’ as many parents decided to make a trip of it and bring the whole family for ice cream so their students could get their passports stamped.
“What a great opportunity to unite not only the schools in BV but the businesses and whole community,” she said. “It was the B eeVe’s fi rst year b ut we hope to participate every year!”
The wrap-up event was both a way to celebrate the students’ work and to draw them further into the story.
“My students loved seeing the book come to life, the opportunity to socialize with their peers as well as family outside of school hours, and the food, games and prizes,” said Debbie Gilbert, Parry McCluer Middle School principal.
“It truly was a team effort! Administrators, teachers, staff, students, custodial staff, and the maintenance staff all helped to make the event successful as well as memorable,” she said.
This is the second year Buena Vista has had this event. Last year’s book was “The Mouse and the Motorcycle,” and the event was open toK-7 students. This year, the age range was expanded to cover all students, K-12.
“We had a wonderful time with the One School One Book event this year. Dr. Miller, our assistant superintendent, involved the high school in this very powerful event for the first time this year,” Dr. Todd Jones, principal at Parry McCluer High School, told The News-Gazette.
“Our students engaged in the many community activities that were a part of this program and really enjoyed reading ‘The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe,’” he said.
Miller said the division hopes to continue the event next year.
