Levittown school unifies 500 students around one novel

East Broadway Elementary School in Levittown has begun a new literacy program that requires every student to read the same novel.

The initiative, titled 'One Book, One School,' launched in October as the district's first schoolwide effort of its kind. It draws directly from the Levittown Public Schools #BookLove initiative. A committee of educators at the school spent the month distributing clues to help pupils identify the correct title. The goal was to create a common reading experience for the entire student body and their families.

Students received hints during library visits and morning announcements. The school also posted updates on social media to encourage parents to discuss reading at home. These efforts culminated in a special assembly where the mystery was solved. The class will read 'The Wild Robot.' Art teacher Briskin decorated the gymnasium with a forest theme to match the book's setting.

Deputy Superintendent Beth Zirogiannis attended the assembly to introduce the selection. She read the opening chapters aloud to the gathered students. This act officially started the shared reading period for the school year.

The program relies on staff collaboration to manage the logistics of a unified curriculum. By selecting a single text, the school aims to strengthen ties between the classroom and the home. The initiative supports the district's wider goal of fostering a long-term interest in literature.