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January, 2026

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Greendale Community School is once again embarking on a special project, an all-school book club called “One School, One Book.”  Today every family received a copy of the same book – “The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles” by Julie Andrews Edwards.

With the “One School, One Book” program, we aim to foster a community of readers at our school. Everyone - students, parents, teachers, even administrative staff - will be participating, and we can all reap the many benefits.

Generally, you will be asked to read 1 or 2 chapters a night – about 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can listen to one of our staff readalouds on the school website. There is a reading schedule included in this package so you can keep up at home.  Please don’t read ahead!  In school, your child will be invited to answer daily trivia questions to encourage attentive listening while your family is reading. You will soon find that your child will take pride in knowing and anticipating the details of the story. Throughout the month, everyone will be talking about Ben, Tom, Lindy, the Professor, the Whiffle Bird, Prock, and of course, the Whangdoodle.

“One School, One Book” is a novel program in that children at all grade levels will all be listening to the same book. Strange or daring as that may seem, it actually makes sound educational sense. Reading professionals recommend reading material out loud that is beyond a child’s own reading level, and we also believe it’s wonderful to read chapter books with your older children, even when they are able to read by themselves. We have selected a title that can be followed and enjoyed by younger students, but that will still captivate and stimulate older children.

This year’s book was first published in 1974 by an author who is more recognized as an actress and singer (think Mary Poppins and Maria von Trapp).  Some of the words may seem a bit foreign to your children, so please use these as a teaching opportunity. Feel free to edit any parts you deem necessary.

Good luck!  We hope everyone will be talking about the Potter childrens’ adventures in Whangdoodleland!  When a whole school reads a book, there’s a lot to talk about.  With your help, we can continue to foster a Community of Readers at Greendale Community School.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Knodel and the Greendale Community School Staff

Encl.