Surry Elementary School launched its annual participation in the statewide Virginia Reads One Book initiative on Monday, March 2, 2026 with an exciting kickoff celebration centered around the beloved classic Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White.
The event brought together students, teachers, and staff for an engaging introduction to the timeless story of friendship, kindness, and perseverance. The highlight of the assembly was a lively skit performed by Surry Elementary administrators, who took on the roles of familiar characters from the book. Dressed in costume, administrators portrayed farm favorites, delighting students with humor and dramatic flair while introducing key themes from the book.
Students were not only entertained but also actively involved in the celebration. The kickoff featured hands-on literacy activities designed to spark curiosity and excitement about the story.
Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Primis Bank, each child received a personal copy of Charlotte’s Web to read and enjoy with their families. School leaders expressed their gratitude to Primis Bank for supporting literacy and making it possible for all students to participate fully in the shared reading experience.
“Our goal is to make reading exciting and meaningful for every child,” said Principal Brittney Custalow. “When our students, teachers, and families all experience Charlotte’s Web together, it creates meaningful conversations, stronger connections, and a deeper love for reading.”
Surry County Public Schools’ Superintendent, Dr. Herbert Monroe commented on the event by saying, “The positive synergy created by the Virginia Reads initiative motivates, educates, and inspires all students to learn to read in their early years so they can read to learn in their later years.
The Virginia Reads One Book program promotes literacy and a love of reading by encouraging schools across the Commonwealth to read the same book at the same time. At Surry Elementary, the initiative aims to strengthen reading skills, foster family involvement, and create lasting memories centered around a shared story.
Over the coming weeks, the Charlotte’s Web story will weave its way through classrooms and homes, uniting the Surry Elementary community one chapter at a time.