Head O’Meadow Elementary School students and staff went all out when it came to celebrating International Dot Day on Monday, September 15.

The day is inspired by the children’s picture book The Dot, written and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds. The book tells the story of Vashti, a student who comes to class with a blank assignment, believing she cannot draw. The teacher dares a very resistant Vashti to “make her mark” and see where it takes her. Her breakthrough begins with a simple dot on a piece of paper, but it is that dot which pushes Vashti to discover her inner artist.

Touched by the encouragement of her teacher, Vashti sets off on a journey of self discovery, letting her creativity bloom and, ultimately, inspire others.

Vashti’s story leapt off the page and into the heart of Iowa teacher Terry Shay, who read The Dot to his students in September 2009.

Shay was inspired by the book’s message of spreading kindness, being resilient, and working hard, and eventually helped found International Dot Day. The day has been celebrated in over 200 countries and sovereign territories by at least 34,566,854 people since 2011, according to its website.

Head O’Meadow is no different, as it has celebrated International Dot Day every September for the past several years.

While students in kindergarten and first grade read The Dot, those in second, third, and fourth grade discuss the book and its important lesson: to leave a mark on the world in their own unique way.

Head O’Meadow Library Media Specialist Beth Murphy said that everybody reads the book either before or on International Dot Day.

“I think [The Dot] has such a positive message about making your mark on the world and putting yourself out there,” Murphy said. “So I think that’s a message that we want our kids to hear.”

Head O’Meadow staff encouraged everyone to wear dots in honor of the special occasion. To that end, dozens of students came in wearing shirts, jackets, or pants covered in dots of all different colors. Even the teachers’ lounge was decorated with white-dotted balloons and dot-themed candy such as Smarties, Lifesavers, and, of course, Dots.

Amy Bollard, one of the two art teachers at Head O’Meadow, wore paintbrush earrings with white palettes dangling from them. The palettes had bright splotches of paint on them, so she wore dots in her own special way.

She and fellow Head O’Meadow art teacher Kim Hossler had students make their own fun art projects to celebrate International Dot Day.

Kindergarten and first grade students made their own unique “dot masterpieces.” Kindergartners learned all about lines to create a 2D and 3D design, and first graders reviewed lines to create shapes and add color for their artwork.

Second, third, and fourth graders, meanwhile, learned to paint like famous Russian painter Wassily Kandinsky. They created abstract dot designs out of lines, shapes, and colors inspired by the music they listened to.

Everyone had their work showcased on two different displays right outside the school’s art room. One of the displays featured Vashti holding a paintbrush high into the sky, with a wave of the students’ dots pouring from it.

Above the smiling Vashti was a big text box that reads, “Make a MARK and see where it takes you!”

Murphy, who has read The Dot for the past several years, said the book’s message is about more than just art.

“It’s about embracing all forms of creativity,” Murphy continued. “It’s about making a mark in the world however you can, showing kindness, and making the world a better place.”

However, celebrating International Dot Day in Newtown Public Schools goes back many years. Head O’Meadow Principal Tim Napolitano said they celebrated it at Sandy Hook Elementary School when he worked there as assistant principal. Reynolds visited the school in 2016, and shared how he came up with the idea behind The Dot. He also gave Napolitano a drawing of Vashti, which Napolitano still has hanging in his office.

Napolitano spoke to the school about International Dot Day during his Monday morning announcements. He encouraged students to remember The Dot’s lasting message of creativity and kindness, even after the end of the school day.

“Never underestimate the power of a dot,” Napolitano continued. “Because it has the power to change you and the world around you.”

Afterwards, he played “The Dot Song” by children’s songwriter Emily Arrow over the intercom, which she composed in collaboration with Reynolds about his book. The lyrics, “Make, make, make, a mark, all you’ve got to do is start,” sounded throughout Head O’Meadow, giving kids an uplifting message to start the day.

Reporter Jenna Visca can be reached at jenna@thebee.com.