One School One Theme May 2025

May 8, 2025

Please enjoy some photos of this week's One Theme One School activities.

May 2, 2025

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Our school will be embarking on a special project called One School, One Theme. This is a program in which children at all grade levels will be reading different books that share a common theme. This year’s theme is teamwork and collaboration. As a school, we are aiming to build a community of readers and emphasize the importance of working together. Helen Keller said it best when she said, “Alone we can do so little, but together we can do so much.” Everyone – students, teachers, families, and administrative staff – will be participating together.

A very special thank you to the Greenvale PTA who purchased books for each student in the building. Greenvale would not be able to have this program without your continued support. Second and third-graders will be reading Code 7 by Bryan R. Johnson. Fourth and fifth graders will be reading Escape From Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein. Both texts are not only connected to the theme of teamwork and collaboration but also to the current Units of Study at each grade level. Second graders and third graders are collaborating with small groups around their research projects during the reading and writing workshop. Fourth graders are working in small groups to debate topics around The American Revolution and fifth graders are working in partnerships researching different events within the Civil Rights Movement. When students have the opportunity to work in groups they can share ideas, support each other’s learning and tackle challenges collectively. This is exactly what our theme is all about!

The project will commence on May 2nd and conclude on May 22nd. Throughout this time, students will engage in team-building activities and experiences where they can see how a combined effort leads to a collective purpose. For example, each class will participate in Escape the APR to kick off our project. During this activity, students will work together in groups communicating effectively, problem-solving, and working together to achieve a common goal. In addition, all elementary schools within The District will be collaborating to create a book portraying the theme of teamwork. Younger students at Waverly will create the illustrations for the chapters written by the older students at Greenvale and Anne Hutch with the help and support of Eastchester’s amazing literacy coaches. Moreover, an exciting activity that will foster mentorship across age groups is a shared reading experience across grade levels. Greenvale’s passionate librarian, Stephanie Spierings will host a “Book Tasting” during scheduled library times to assist with book choices for the big day! Additionally, we are asking for character-themed bandages that will be donated to the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital. One small gesture such as this will make a big impression. Greenvale students will also create a collage of their families working together to be displayed in the breezeway. These photos can be of the family cooking together, playing games or reading together. Greenvale wants to showcase the importance of families collaborating. To add to the month-long project, Joe Pimental, a Westchester native artist, will work with students in the building to create a mural by exploring the power of imagination and working together to make their ideas come to life reinforcing the theme. Last but not least, Greenvale will be holding their second annual students versus teachers basketball game! Two students from each class will be randomly chosen based on their positive attitudes and willingness to work well with others throughout the month.

Greenvale students are so lucky to work with their peers, adults at home and in their school so that programs such as this are meaningful and engaging. You can find all activities for One School, One Theme on the calendar that is posted in your child’s Google Classroom as well as a suggested pacing guide for each book.

Happy reading!

Printable Calendar