For many people, “March Madness” means college basketball championships with visions of buzzer beating shots, final fours, and gymnasiums filled with cheering fans. It’s a national event that brings the country together.
For Bennington-Rutland Supervisory Union (BRSU) students, however, this March will be remembered for its month-long celebration of literacy as it honors National Reading Month. Students, staff, and families join together with activities centered around the reading of a single book: Peter Brown’s “The Wild Robot.”
“The concept is called One District, One Book,” BRSU Superintendent Randi Lowe says. “The idea is to build a BRSU community of readers where everyone can participate on a number of fronts. Reading becomes the glue that brings us together.”
The human protagonist behind this project is Jessica Kuzmich, Chair of the BRSU English Language Arts Committee. The One District, One Book concept was brought to the committee's attention by Skyler LaBombard, BRSU Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning.
“Our committee loved the idea,” says Kuzmich who also serves as a Special Education Teacher at Manchester Elementary Middle School (MEMS). “We got right to work to set up a process that allowed all the staff to participate in selecting the featured book.”
The committee identified four chapter books and put them to a vote by BRSU staff. This March the BRSU’s social emotional goal of the month is “acceptance” and the final four books were consistent with that topic. The hands down winner was “The Wild Robot.”
“The book has an engaging story line with wide appeal that attracts young readers” says Kuzmich. “What kid doesn’t like a robot? Just as important, it opens up a new world with themes of friendship, family, technology, ecology, bullying and helping others. It’s a great yarn with a message that will generate discussions.”
The BRSU’s month of celebrating reading opened up right on time on Friday, March first. The largest gathering was at MEMS where over 400 students and staff filled the gymnasium. They were treated to a guest appearance by a dancing “Roz the Robot,” aka MEMS music instructor Mark Barrett.
Kuzmich served as Master of Ceremonies and at one point waded into the crowd to get student reactions on why they love reading: "It opens up our imagination." "Reading helps us grow.” "It can take you to a place you love."
All six BRSU schools have creatively crafted their own plan for celebrating reading with an emphasis on inclusion and community. Some examples include:
Currier Memorial School: The books were distributed from a large wooden canoe (boats are a featured prop in Wild Robot) that was donated by a parent and positioned behind a curtain in the school gymnasium before being revealed to astonished students. Custodian Dave Champine used his own imagination to amaze the kids with a life-sized version of “Roz” using dryer vent tubing along with a silver painted pail and wash basket. For eyes he used functioning motion detectors that light up when people walk by. The kids say hello each morning and good-bye at the end of the day as they stroll through the lobby.
Sunderland Elementary: All the students dressed up in book related costumes for the opening ceremony. At their assembly they were treated to a video of their former librarian (Heather McQuire) reading the first few chapters of the book. Student’s performed a skit at the opening assembly based on a scene from the story.
Flood Brook School: The school jumped-the-gun by starting a day early on February 29th. The idea was to honor leap-year by “leaping" into National Reading Month. Wild Robot trivia contests are held each Friday based on that week’s reading with robot themed prizes for winners. The student council led by middle schoolers will be planning a closing ceremony on March 27th.
The Dorset School: Mystery guests will read to the students throughout the month. Reading out-loud to one another has been featured at all schools as an added benefit - it builds fluency, aids comprehension and generates discussion. One day later this month, baked goods decorated as Wild Robot characters will be offered as treats. A few Dorset students spent JISP days at the Southern Vermont Arts Center creating a one-act play based on the book.
Mettawee Community School: Mettawee used “The Wild Robot” as the featured book in their annual All School Read Day. Mettawee alumni, who moved on to middle and high school, returned to make decorations for the school lobby version of the “pine forest” featured in the book. A maker space has been created in the Library where students work with recycled cardboard, paints, and materials to make robots. The Physical Education classes are constructing a fort in the gym to protect robots and animals.
Manchester Elementary Middle School: The MEMS Parent Teacher Organization will host a Family Literacy Dinner to be held on Thursday, March 14th. Food will be contributed by local restaurants and local authors will join in the celebration of reading. One student created a robot drawing that has been used as the school’s Wild Robot Logo and made into tee-shirts. Middle school math classes are studying robotics and the art department has led the way in decorating the school.
The energy at every BRSU school is palpable. Kuzmich ran into a middle schooler on the Monday after the opening ceremony. “Have you started to read the book?” Kuzmich asked. The response: “I can’t put it down.”
Boom! Even better than a March game winning three point shot.
Kindergarten through fourth graders at The Dorset School proudly hoist up their own copy of The Wild Robot.
Roz the Robot greets students each morning in the lobby of the Currier Memorial School.
MEMS teacher Jessica Kuzmich wades into the crowd to hear why students love reading at the One District, One Book kick-off assembly.
Sunderland students dressed up as characters from The Wild Robot to celebrate the launch of One District, One Book.
Students from the Flood Brook School meet "Roz" from The Wild Robot.
Mettawee staff and recent alumni decorated the school lobby as the pine forest in The Wild Robot.