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Bank Supports Virginia Reads One Book
Nearly 14,800 Virginia students and their families from 38 Title 1 schools are reading the same book on the same schedule during March thanks to nearly $97,000 of financial support from Virginia’s banking industry.
It’s all part of Virginia Reads One Book — a statewide family literacy program designed to strengthen the educational connection between home and school from Richmondbased Read to Them. Bank of Botetourt is a sponsor of this program at Fairfield Elementary, Eagle Rock Elementary and Rocky Mount Elementary where more than 664 students and staff will participate.
Virginia Reads One Book kicked off on March 4. During this two-week program, elementary students across Virginia will be involved in school and community events both in-person and virtually.
“The program not only enhances students’ language skills, but it shows them reading is fun in an atmosphere that strengthens family and community interactions,” said Read to Them Executive Director Christa Donohue. “With the support of Bank of Botetourt, the schools receive a book for every student and complimentary staff copies, both family literacy and financial literacy activities, school assembly suggestions, teacher resources, and both family and community engagement tools. These resources turn a book into a community experience so everyone can enjoy and share the story.”
Each student will receive a copy of the same book, “Judy Moody Was In A Mood” by Megan McDonald. “Our statewide reading schedule will take about 15 minutes each night,” said Donohue, “putting the entire community literally on the same page. Their reading will be augmented with classroom activities, trivia contests, prizes, and fun opportunities for family engagement.” Michelle Austin, Bank of Botetourt president and COO, shared, “We are thrilled to be able to sponsor Virginia Reads One Book this year, which builds on the other financial literacy effort that we have going on throughout the communities we serve. This initiative is one that we are proud to be a part of and we hope the children at Eagle Rock Elementary, Fairfield Elementary, and Rocky Mount Elementary enjoy reading this fun book alongside their teachers and families!”
