Ella was creating her own wish tree based on the book, Wishtree by Katherine Applegate, which all JPS elementary schools are currently reading in the classroom and at home with their families. The Love Wishtree project was created by UPK teacher Beth Strong and led by special area teachers Jennie Vaughn and Jennie Cross.

In addition to fun activities, the elementary schools have videotaped JPS staff and community volunteers reading chapters from the book to share in both English and Spanish. It’s all part of a unique, national family literacy program called One District, One Book from non-profit Read to Them designed to strengthen the educational connection between home and school. Elementary schools are doing fun activities to enhance the reading experience – everything from art projects, to learning a song or planting a tree.

City of Jamestown Parks Manager, Dan Stone, is joining in on the Wishtree project by helping the kids plant a tree at each elementary school. The Jamestown School Forest Fund made up of retired and active teachers and environmentally conscious members provided the funds to plant the trees.

“I was contacted a few months ago about the project and that the main character of the book is a red oak. I, of course, was thrilled to participate and have the chance to plant more trees in Jamestown,” said Mr. Stone. “I think it’s great for the kids to not only read the story, but have the opportunity to see, and plant, a red oak at their school. The red oaks will be there for 100 years and it is such a great tie-in for the students. They can come back to their elementary school, bring their kids and grandkids, and maybe even read the Wishtree book to them one day. A very cool way to share the experience with future generations.”

Fletcher Elementary School kindergartner Hazel Corley & her mom, Destiny Passinger, recently read Wishtree under a tree at home as part of a unique, national family literacy program called One District, One Book.

In addition to the tree planting, every elementary school is doing art projects revolving around the book and learning a song. Plant a Tree, by Teresa Jennings. Love music teacher, Jennie Cross, created hand movements to go along with signing the song.

“I think anytime we can connect music to the learning in the classroom, it’s a win for everyone,” said Lincoln music teacher Cathy South. “Music is such a powerful tool to build community. The music department is excited to be a part of the district’s Wishtree project!”

Fletcher art teacher Darryl Mallanda and his students are looking at the artwork of Gustav Klimt and creating their own “Tree of Life” based on his work.. The students learned about symbols and how the idea of a “tree of life” is a symbol for their experiences and the changes they will see in life; some shared, some unique.

Ring teacher, Becky Sorenson, did a “Trash to Treasure” project with her students. In Wishtree, Bongo the crow flies around and finds “treasures” that people have thrown away, like bottle caps, games pieces and trinkets. The class “trash to treasure” activity followed that idea to connect to the story. They asked people to donate recycled materials, which were washed and sorted. Students choose from the materials to create their own “treasures using their imagination, creativity, problem solving skills and teamwork.

It was very important for the elementary schools to create an “experience” around reading Wishtree.

“We are very excited to bring this experience to our students and families,” said Lincoln Elementary School Principal Katie Russo. “Our hope is that this is only the beginning of participating in One District, One Book. We plan on continuing this program every year in our schools.”