March is National Reading Month and Weedsport Elementary got a head start with a kick-off assembly for spring reading in late February.

For the assembly, teachers introduced the book “Friendship According to Humphrey” by Betty Birney. Principal Tim Cowin read a few pages and then showed a short video for the students to build some background knowledge.

“Every student in pre-kindergarten through second grade will bring the book home,” Cowin said. “This was developed by a group of teachers from the school who work together planning throughout the year for March.”

Cowin sent a letter home to parents asking that they read the book together with their child.

“Reading aloud at home is valuable because it better prepares your child to be an effective reader, and it is also a fun, worthwhile family activity. With this program, we aim to build a community of readers at our school. Everyone – students, parents, teachers, even administrative staff – will all be following along together,” the letter said.

In school, students will answer daily trivia questions regarding the book in order to encourage and reward attentive listening.