One School, One Book: The World According to Humphrey at Bryden

BEACHWOOD, Ohio – Excitement filled the hallways at Bryden Elementary School on Monday (May 12) morning as students and staff kicked off a special week celebrating One School, One Book (OSOB) with a school-wide assembly in the gymnasium. 

When everyone was gathered, the OSOB committee introduced the book with a skit that included a video and a “hamster” on the loose in the school. This led to the grand announcement of this year’s book, The World According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney, which is a story told from the perspective of a clever little classroom hamster. After each student received a copy of the book and a bookmark, the entire school read the first chapter of the book together to conclude the assembly.

Students were encouraged to read the book at home and at school throughout the week, culminating with a closing assembly on Friday morning when the entire school will read the last chapter together.

In addition, there are several activities planned throughout the week, including a class pet in each homeroom, a scavenger hunt, special messages from Humphrey, students creating their own Humphrey Habitat, a Kindness Activity and the transformation of the Music Room into a Kindness Meadow where students are able to visit and read.

The Bryden OSOB committee includes Shahnyn Benedict, Kate D'Angelo, Arianna DeGeorge, Jessie Ezzi, Molly Fusaro, Aurora Larrison, Michelle Mayer, Tara Warner, and Sheri Weiland. The program is also supported by the Beachwood Elementary PTO.