Fulmar Road Elementary School students recently received a special surprise as Principal Gary Chadwick visited classrooms to reveal this year’s ‘One School, One Book’ selection.
Dressed as a spider and accompanied by Assistant Principal Allyson Fallman, Chadwick delivered stacks of the school’s featured book, “Charlotte’s Web” by E. B. White, to each class. The Newbery Honor-winning novel tells the story of an unlikely friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a clever spider named Charlotte.
“‘Charlotte’s Web’ is a special story about friendship and loyalty,” Chadwick said. “We’re excited for our students and families to experience this book together and to share in the conversations and connections it inspires.”
Through the “One School, One Book” program, students read the same book both in class and at home with their families, creating a shared reading experience across the entire school community.
To make the story accessible for all learners, Fulmar Road staff and parents partnered with STEAM teacher Mimi Murphy to record chapters of the book in both English and Spanish. Students can listen to the recordings online, allowing them to enjoy the story regardless of their age, reading level or language preference. Superintendent of Schools Frank Miele also joined in the fun by recording a chapter for students.
“This program is a wonderful way to build excitement around reading and bring our school community together,” Chadwick said. “It’s always great to see students so eager to dive into a story.”
To celebrate the book’s themes of friendship, kindness and the importance of words, Fulmar Road created a giant spider web in the school lobby inspired by Charlotte’s famous web in the story. Students added colorful Post-it notes filled with inspirational and encouraging messages for their classmates, helping spread positivity throughout the school.
The school extends its gratitude to the Fulmar Road PTO for generously providing books for all students, as well as to Fallman, Murphy and the many staff members who helped organize the event.
