During skype sessions–virtual visits that connect me to students via computer webcams–the teacher or librarian in charge often arranges a chair in front of the school computer’s webcam and calls up students to sit in the chair one by one to ask me questions. It’s always fun for me to see each child’s face appear on my screen.
Imagine my surprise when, during a skype session with 4th-6th grade students at Grande Reserve Elementary School in Yorkville, IL, a grown-up suddenly appeared on my screen.
“Wow, you’re a big kid,” I said, and all the students laughed.
“I’m the principal,” Sylvia Torto said with a delighted smile. She had a question for me about what my favorite books were, and then she excitedly shared the title of one of her favorite books, urging me to find it and gobble it up.
What a fantastic moment: A principal was taking time out of her busy day to join in the conversation and express a genuine love for reading. That’s a role model every school needs.
Principal Torto’s suggested book? Nancy and Plum by Betty MacDonald. Luckily for me, she put a copy in the mail along with a thank you for the session. I loved it.
