Mantua – Crestwood Intermediate School dressed in red, white and blue and took up flags to celebrate heroes today. The inspiration for this celebration was their One School, One Book program. The entire school — the lunch room staff, students, teachers, principal and counselor — is reading the book On the Wings of Heroes by Richard Peck. Set in World War II, it has provided these young students (grades 3 to 5) an opportunity to walk through history. Replicating a jalopy parade from the book, veterans rode around the bus loop in old cars and an army jeep. Students waved flags and chanted, “Go USA!” An entire museum has been created to help students see and understand items they read about in the book. The staff has worked together to create and share different activities to enhance the educational experience. Other activities have included visiting heroes from our community. Mayors, firefighters, mail carriers, and two deputy sheriffs were all represented. Veterans and family heroes have also been invited to lunch with the students. Using the book as a starting point, students have used their reading to create stories, write poems, journal entries and develop letter writing skills. Students extended their outreach by raising money for the memorial to celebrate the heroes of Flight 93. There is a vibrant excitement humming through the school that is reflected in the interaction of community members, students and their families, school staff and our nation’s veterans. In the words of Eleanor Roosevelt, “Do not even attempt a job if you do not plan to do the best you know how.” Crestwood Intermediate School’s One Book, One School reflects these words.
