It’s all part of Virginia Reads One Book — a statewide family literacy program designed to strengthen the educational connection between home and school from Richmond-based Read to Them. Bank of Botetourt is a sponsor of this program at Buchanan and Greenfield Elementary Schools, where more than 670 students and staff will participate.
Virginia Reads One Book kicked off on March 1. During this three-week program, elementary students across Virginia will be involved in school and community events virtually. “The program not only boosts students’ reading abilities, but it shows them reading is fun in an atmosphere that strengthens family and community interactions,” says Read to Them Executive Director Christa Donohue. “With the support of Bank of Botetourt, Buchanan and Greenfield Elementary Schools receive a book for every student and complimentary staff copies, both family literacy and financial literacy activities, school assembly suggestions, teacher resources, and both family and community engagement tools. These resources turn a book into a community experience so everyone can enjoy and share the story.”
Each student will receive a copy of the same book, “The Trumpet of the Swan” by E.B. White. “Our statewide reading schedule will take about 15 minutes each night,” says Donohue, “putting the entire community literally on the same page. Their reading will be augmented with virtual classroom activities, trivia contests, prizes and fun opportunities for family engagement.”
Bank of Botetourt President & CEO G. Lyn Hayth III said, “We are pleased to be able to sponsor Virginia Reads One Book again this year, which builds on other financial literacy efforts that we help to provide in our communities. We were drawn to this program by not only the financial literacy focus of the book, but also the idea of bringing families and students together.”
“Botetourt County Public Schools is blessed with many corporate partners. We are grateful for Bank of Botetourt’s sponsorship of this program as it promotes reading and literacy for our elementary students,” said School Superintendent Dr. Jonathan Russ.
For the current list of participating schools in the area, email christa.donohue@readtothem.org.
