Austin Road Elementary School recently concluded its annual “One School, One Author” initiative, bringing students together through a shared literacy experience centered on books written by author Wendy Mass. The program engaged the entire school community, with grade-level selections that allowed all students to participate while fostering a love of reading.
This year, kindergarten and first grade students read “Space Taxi: Archie Takes Flight,” second and third grade students explored “Bob,” and fourth and fifth grade students read “The Lost Library.” Throughout the initiative, Austin Road staff members volunteered to record themselves reading sections of each book, allowing students and families to follow along at home each evening. Students also answered weekly comprehension questions that unlocked clues revealed on Friday mornings, building excitement and anticipation as the program progressed.
Families received program details through the school’s Sunday Update email, including a fun program trailer video created by STEAM teacher Patricia Huestis, which was also shared in classrooms. Each student received a copy of their grade-level book, along with calendars and family letters to support participation at home. The initiative was made possible through the generosity of the Austin Road PTO, whose support helped ensure that every child could take part in the experience.
In addition to promoting literacy, the program encouraged discussions around themes such as friendship, respect, compassion, kindness, acceptance and perseverance. The initiative concluded with a final clue reveal and schoolwide celebration, marking the culmination of weeks of reading, learning and collaboration.
“This program creates a unique opportunity for our entire school to share in the joy of reading,” Austin Road Principal Bryan Gilligan said. “It was wonderful to see students and families engaged each week, building excitement together and making meaningful connections through these stories.”
The annual program continues to be a highlight of the Austin Road school year, reinforcing the importance of literacy while bringing students, staff and families together through a shared reading experience.