• Book-of-the-Month
     
     

    Has your child come home and shared the title of the Book of the Month with you?  Are you aware that this book is helping us to build a learning community in our school?  You might be surprised to learn that sharing one story every month helps to unite our school community.  One book providing a common experience to discuss sends a message to the entire population of a school and unites it.  What better topic to discuss than a children's book shared in class?  Children discuss it in school with their teachers and classmates and then they can also share their conversations with their families.
    At Heathcote, we select a new book every month.  The topics and "gentle messages" are wide and varied.  They may reflect something happening at school, or in current events.  Sometimes, we will celebrate a person or event, or we may discuss community values or share a fun book simply for the  joy of reading. All of the books are intended to highlight something special and bring joy to our lives.  Recommendations from students, teachers and parents are always welcome. 
     
     
     
     
     
    Every month, I deliver the book and a letter of introduction to each classroom.  Until delivery time, the title of the book remains a closely guarded secret.  Students know that this is a special delivery and are usually quite excited to learn the title of the new book.  It may be a newly published title, or an "oldie but a goodie."   The classroom teacher reads the book to the class and students are invited to respond.  Teachers select student responses to share with the school community on the  Book of the Month bulletin board located near the gym.  It is truly amazing to read responses to the same book from kindergarten to fifth grade.  Next time you are in the building, please stop by to see it. Now that you know, don't forget to ask your child about the new book every month. Ask  them to share their thoughts with you and your family!
                              
    Thank you for helping us build our learning community.
                                                       
    Maria R. Stile,                                             
    Principal