Valleyview Elementary School was filled with excitement as second-grade Yellowjackets from Riverside, Greater Plains, and Valleyview came together for the 18th annual Oneonta City School District Mock-Caldecott Awards. This long-standing OCSD tradition brings picture books to life and gives students the opportunity to celebrate illustration, storytelling, and the joy of reading alongside peers from across the district.
The morning began with all students gathering in the Valleyview cafeteria before being divided into small groups and heading out across the building. Coats were tucked away as students rotated from classroom to classroom, with multiple readings happening at the same time. The smaller group setting allowed students to slow down, listen closely, and fully enjoy each story as it was read aloud.
Along the way, Mrs. Jessica Ewing from Greater Plains Elementary read the Greatercott winner, Cranky, Crabby Crow (Saves the World), written and illustrated by Corey R. Tabor. Riverside Elementary librarian Mrs. Debra Hamilton shared the Rivercott winner, Papilio, written and illustrated by Ben Clanton, Corey R. Tabor, and Andy Chou Musser. Valleyview Elementary librarian Mr. Mark Parmerter read the Valleycott winner, Becoming Boba, written by Joanna Ho and illustrated by Amber Ren. Students were also treated to a special guest reader, Mrs. Mary Beth Stalder from Oneonta High School, who joined the rotation to read Our Lake, a Caldecott Honor Book written and illustrated by Angie Kang.
Throughout the morning, students listened attentively, shared quiet reactions with one another, and clearly took pride in being part of a tradition that spans all three elementary schools. The Mock-Caldecott Awards continue to be a highlight for OCSD’s second graders, celebrating not only exceptional picture books but also the joy of reading together. It truly was a very nice morning for our young Yellowjackets.
GO 'JACKETS!
