Hawley School’s Journey To Oz

To the Editor:

Throughout the month of February, the Hawley School community participated in “One School One Read” by reading The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum.

The fabulous event began with a kickoff assembly complete with visits from the Oz characters. Principal Mrs Jo-Ann Peters introduced the book and read the first chapter aloud. Each student received their own copies of the book which were hand delivered to each classroom by one of the costumed characters. Conversation starters were provided for each chapter so the families could discuss each chapter as they read it to their children.

Our school was adorned with fantastic murals created by some talented staff, which made scenes from the book come to life in our halls. Students cut out yellow bricks that were placed in the halls creating our own yellow brick road throughout the building. February 13 was declared Emerald City Day at Hawley and all were encouraged to wear green clothing and green sunglasses to celebrate Dorothy’s arrival in the Emerald City. The Student Council organized a Design-Your-Own-Wizard-of-Oz-T Shirt Event. The children wore their t-shirts to the culminating assembly on February 27. Mrs Zeimann directed songs from the movie and a slide show was presented. Mrs Yanusas read the last chapter of the book aloud.

The celebration continued at Town Hall as Hawley families attended a private showing of the original Wizard of Oz movie. Special thanks to Tom Mahoney for making the movie arrangements. Thank you to the entire staff at Hawley for your excitement and enthusiasm, which contributed to the success of this event. Thanks also to the Hawley families for your continued support in all that we do.

Sincerely,

Mary Walsh - On behalf of the Literacy Team

Hawley School

29 Church Hill Road, Newtown                                    March 8, 2004