'Because of Winn Dixie' takes over Shields Elementary

Every Richard Shields Elementary School student, teacher and staff member will be reading the same book in May – or have the book read to them – as a jump start to a summer reading program. During assemblies this week, Shields Principal Jenny Nauman introduced the One School One Book program to students and staff.

Every student was presented with their personal copy of the book, “Because of Winn Dixie” by Kate DiCamillo. The highly acclaimed book about a girl and a dog she finds and befriends was published in 2000 and was made into a 2005 movie. The National Education Association named it one of the top 100 books for children.

Everyone is assigned to read the book to someone 15 minutes each weeknight. Younger students will have chapters read to them. In addition, the school will have activities pertaining to the book throughout May. The month will end with a showing of the movie and a party.

Each morning, students will be asked trivia questions from the previous night's assignment; winners will get to select from a series of books displayed in the office.

Students and staff will also participate in a Pennies for Paws fund drive to raise money for the SPCA in Georgetown.

One School One Book is a national program aimed at getting students to read aloud. Reading the same book helps to build excitement and a sense of community, according to the program's founders.