Dear Parent/Guardian:

Our elementary community is embarking on our fourth year of One District One Book. Every child will receive a copy of the winning book, The One and Only Ivan, and will be asked to read it at home over the coming months. Each week, new questions will be sent home for the corresponding chapters to stimulate conversation about the book with your family. I am personally asking you to make the time so your family can participate in this special school-wide/community-wide activity. We have selected a title that can be followed, understood, and enjoyed by all our students in grade K-6.

Reading aloud at home is valuable because it better prepares your child to be an effective reader. It is also a fun, worthwhile family activity. Through our One District One Book program, we are aiming to build a community of readers. Everyone - students, parents, teachers, administrators, even community businesses - will be participating. The benefits of reading aloud are remarkable -- studies have shown that reading to children helps them to listen better and longer, build bigger vocabularies, understand concepts better, feel positive about both books and learning, and more. When an entire school reads the same book, the buzz and excitement around the book being read increases these benefits, and there is the added joy of building community in the school family.

Last week, your child received his/her copy of The One and Only Ivan at a special school-wide assembly introducing the program and the book. Generally, you will be asked to read 2 chapters a week about 15 minutes per night. You may choose as a family to read the chapters together or listen to chapter videos on our school website. Mystery readers will be recorded for each chapter of the book and revealed weekly. If you check on the Lew-Port CSD Website, you will find the link to the One District One Book webpage and will find the chapter read alouds under the corresponding tab.

In school, your child will be invited to answer trivia questions to encourage and reward attentive, careful listening. You will soon find that your child will take pride in knowing and anticipating the details of the story. In class, there may be various activities which discuss or explore the book. You will want to make sure your family keeps up so your child can be included. Throughout the coming months, everyone will be talking about it. I personally invite your family to READ WITH US at the Lewiston Porter Intermediate Education Center.