Welcome to School Book

with A Splendid Friend, Indeed by Suzanne Bloom

A partnership project of:
Local Schools
Family Reading Partnership
M&T Bank

We like the project because "all these kids from varied backgrounds have a common experience -- the book. Also it makes registration quite magical." -- Randi Beckmann, Kindergarten Teacher, Belle Sherman Elementary School

Overview

New kindergartners throughout Tompkins County and two adjacent towns receive a brand new book entitled A Splendid Friend, Indeed at kindergarten registrations each spring. This special Welcome to School Book is a gift from the child's new school. It includes an enclosure with a personalized message about the importance of reading aloud, a note to "readers to be" from author Suzanne Bloom, encouragement to use the library, and information about making books a part of everyday, summer, family fun. Contributions to buy books are donated by individual schools, PTAs, and school councils, and are matched by M&T Bank.

Objectives

• Increase book ownership in all families.
• Build books into community transitions and traditions.
• Use quality children's literature as a vehicle to promote family reading practices.
• Begin a positive home school relationship by providing schools with a book for families.
• Connect the excitement of beginning school with the pleasure of books.
• Give children a tangible representation of school to have for the summer.
• Give children a common "book experience" as they enter school.
• Build a "classroom community"
• Smooth the transition to school.

The Book

A Splendid Friend, Indeed, by area author/illustrator Suzanne Bloom, was chosen as the new Welcome to School Book in 2008 for its theme of friendship, age-appropriate text, and beautiful illustrations. Karen Keller, Principal at Fall Creek Elementary School in Ithaca comments, "The message in 'A Splendid Friend, Indeed' is so sweet and so simple at first read, but then I think of much more. The messages of the character 'Bear' who wants to read and write and think, and 'Goose' who wants to talk and talk and talk, could really represent the experience of a kindergarten student coming to school for the first time." Welcome to School Books given in past years are Feathers for Lunch by Lois Ehlert and Hattie and the Fox by Mem Fox.