Last week’s visit to Ludlow Elementary began the night before we arrived at the school.

Our host, grade four teacher Lisa Marks, invited us to spend the evening (and night) at her home.

Lisa’s family made us a delicious dinner (and breakfast), gave us a place to plug in our bus, and even let us use their bathrooms. Our kids and hers played together like old friends.

The next morning, we headed to the school and parked where the Ludlow students would be able to see the bus on the way in, setting a colorful tone for the day.

Ludlow Elementary has bright classrooms, great energy, and a close-knit, family feel. The walls are decorated with murals and plant material that add warmth and fun and a quintessential Vermont vibe.

Ludlow is a small school (less than 100 students), and the excitement was evident from the moment we arrived. We got lots of smiles and waves and hugs as we poked our heads into each classroom, saying hello.

To prepare the kids for our visit—and to keep track of our continuing adventures—Lisa’s fellow teacher Shona Tremblay made a bulletin board that includes our route and highlights of our travels. We love that we’ll be spending more than just one day in the hearts and minds of the Ludlow community.

The fifth grade and kindergarten teachers invited Augie and Jasper to spend the day in their classrooms. I look forward to reading Jasper’s comprehensive essay on the depth and variety of American kindergarten experience.

We gave our two assemblies in the gym—which belonged to the district high school before it shut down for lack of funding.

We met with a small group of students, answered their questions, and asked them each to let us know 1) their favorite meal, 2) what makes them happiest, and 3) what they’d do to make the world better if they were in charge. I was particularly excited with this young woman’s belief that more writing is the solution!

Among my favorite moments of the day: one of the Ludlow students became the first person to successfully guess the Matthew Draws portrait I painted on the hood of the bus, shocking Robbi and affirming my artistry.

Before we left, Lisa painted Vermont on our mural. We’re so happy to have a bit of Ludlow traveling with us as we go.

We felt so lucky to spend a day (and a night) as honorary members of the Ludlow Elementary community. The warmth and good feeling that shines throughout the school is the clear result of Lisa and her fellow educators working with heartfelt purpose to create a culture of learning, respect, and support.

Their students are so lucky to have such wonderful teachers. And we are so lucky to have met them.

#busloadofbooks