Dear Parents and Guardians,                                                                                             

This month our school will embark on the second novel in the all-school book club, One School, One Book™. This year every student will receive a copy of the same book – Richard and Florence Atwater's Mr. Popper’s Penguins – and asked to read it at home over the month of May and will culminate in various classroom activities. The One School, One Book™ Program was quite successful for the last 3 years and I know all of you will enjoy this classic novel. Again, the fundamental purpose being “building a community of readers” through a shared reading experience – like a very large book club! Everyone at Buena Vista we will be reading one book together and participating in many exciting, related projects over the next four weeks. Parents are critical participants in the program, too!  I am personally asking you to make the time so that your family can participate in this special activity.

Reading professionals recommend reading material out loud that is beyond a child's own reading level. We also believe that you can and should continue reading chapter books with your older children, even when they are able to read by themselves. We have selected a title that can be followed and understood and enjoyed by younger students, but that will still captivate and stimulate older children.

Attached to this letter is a tailored reading schedule so that you can keep up at home. Generally, you will be asked to read a chapter a night – about 15 minutes each night. You will want to make sure your family keeps up so your child can be included. Throughout the month, everyone will be talking about Mr. Popper’s Penguins! Visit the website to hear staff members from Buena Vista reading chapters every night!

I know that you’ll enjoy this special reading time with your children. I hope to talk with both you and your student sometime this month about Mr. Popper, Captain Cook, Greta, and all of the penguins. "When a whole community reads a book, there's a lot to talk about." With your help, we can build a Community of Readers in our school district.

Sincerely,

Kelly Eagan, Principal