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One District, One Community, One Book

The East Greenbush Central School District’s Committee to Promote Global Education has developed a community-wide literacy initiative titled One District, One Community, One Book!  

Beginning on March 1, 2023 and running through April 5, 2023, we want students and adults alike, from all across our community, to read the book, The Elephant in the Room by Holly Goldberg Sloan.

This literacy initiative will act as a book club for our school district and beyond – students, teachers, school staff, parents, and community members!

Goals:

  • Encourage students, staff, families and community members to read the book and participate in school-sponsored activities.
  • Join book talks and discussion groups.
  • Celebrate diversity and inclusion through special events.
  • Bring our community closer together through a love of reading!

The Elephant in the Room book coverAbout “The Elephant in the Room”

“The Elephant in the Room” by Holly Goldberg Sloan was selected for this community wide literacy initiative by the Committee to Promote Global Education with input from school and town librarians.

The book explores the importance of friendship, acceptance and the bravery we all must face when dealing with life’s changes. The main character is without her mother and through a counseling group and unlikely circumstances, leads to rescue an elephant where the community as a whole comes together proving that hope and friendships can occur in unlikely places.

Book Type: Fiction
Reading Age: 10-14
Pages: 256
Published: 2021

Join Us!

Please consider this opportunity to celebrate our diversity, to promote unity, and to get involved with our school district. If you are interested in participating in One District, One Community, One Book, please submit the online form below. You will also have the opportunity to sign up as a guest reader.

Interest Form

Reading Calendar

Elephant in the Room - Reading Calendar

Elephant in the Room - Reading Calendar

Trivia

Schools will ask trivia questions during morning announcements about the chapters that were read the day prior. Students who answer the trivia correctly will be eligible for prizes!

Veda the ElephantWhere’s Veda?

A large stuffed elephant will travel to businesses throughout the community starting Wednesday, March 1. She will be visiting grocery stores, local libraries, Stewart’s and other fun places. If you find Veda, take a ticket from the bucket and bring it back to school to post on the board.

You can also take a photo with Veda and either post the photo on social media (tag @egreenbushcsd and use the hashtags #wheresveda, #theelephantintheroom and #unityincommunity) or email Mark Adam at adamma@egcsd.org.

Where’s Veda Photo Gallery

Where's Veda Map

Free Books for Students and Staff

The East Greenbush CSD will be providing free copies of the book to students and staff. Books have been purchased at a discounted rate and donations are being accepted to help offset the costs of the project. Special thanks to our PTOs, SORENSCO Rotary, East Greenbush Kiwanis Club, and other community organizations and businesses for their support.

Earthquake Disaster Relief flyerEast Greenbush Schools to Support Earthquake Victims

In response to the tragic earthquakes that affected Turkey and Syria last month, the East Greenbush CSD is collecting spare change at all schools to benefit the American Red Cross and its disaster relief efforts. The fundraiser is being organized as a service project in conjunction with the One District, One Community, One Book program. More Information.

News from the One Book Program

Resources: