Book initiative continues thanks to a generous donation

MARQUETTE — As part of March is Reading Month, students at Graveraet Elementary have spent almost two months reading a book with their family members, thanks to a generous donation from a local group.

The Marquette Noon Rotary Club donated one thousand dollars to the school’s One School, One Book initiative. Every single kindergarten through fifth grade student received a copy of Roald Dahl’s BFG to read at home with their friends and family.

As part of the initiative, the school has been decorated in honor of that Big Friendly Giant.

“Roald Dahl has written many, many novels for children. Because he is not a new author, we decided to pick an old classic that would maybe revitalize some of his works and get the kids excited about reading some of those,” said Lori Smolinski, a 2nd Grade Teacher at Graveraet. “Our goal is to build a home-school connection and also to promote literacy for all our children.”

The rotary club had lunch at the school Monday afternoon to see the kid’s artwork and the books. Students have spent the last eight weeks reading and discussing the book.

On Friday, the school will host BFG Family Night from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.