GORHAM, ME–It has become a labor of love and a beloved tradition at Great Falls Elementary School. A time in which the entire school, over 500 students spanning kindergarten to fifth grade as well as the staff, read the same book or author at the same time to build community and express a collective love for reading.

“Excitement builds every year for ‘One School, One Book’ as it’s become something the students really look forward to each winter,” said Anna Sedenka, a fourth-grade teacher at the school who initiated the program nearly a decade ago. “The author and book titles are kept secret from the students until right before winter break when they get a chance to guess who the author will be. After the holidays, each student receives a copy of their grade-level book and the classes read it together according to a shared, schoolwide schedule. Weekly trivia questions and prizes also add to the fun!”

For the third straight year, Norway Savings Bank is pleased to play a part in delivering the program and its impact to the students and staff at Great Falls Elementary, including its most recent donation of $500 this month.

“With support from NSB and all of our generous sponsors, we are able to purchase a book for every student in the building,” said Sedenka. “Last year, that meant over 530 books, and it wouldn’t have been possible without these donations.”

As part of the program, older and younger students pair up to complete projects related to the book.

“It’s such a fantastic way to celebrate reading while encouraging a shared experience,” said Dan Walsh, President and CEO of NSB. “School and district administrators even participate by visiting and reading with some of the classes. It warms your heart to see a school so dedicated to unity, involvement, and the importance of books.”

Getting kids to appreciate reading and the many benefits it provides is well worth the effort.

“Studies have shown that reading to children helps them to listen better and longer, build bigger vocabularies, understand concepts better, and feel more positive about learning,” said Sedenka. “When an entire school reads the same book, there is the added joy of growing a school family.”

For more information on how you can support “One School, One Book,” contact Anna at anna.sedenka@gorhamschools.org or call 207-222-1050.