Students and staff at James H. Boyd Intermediate School in the Elwood Union Free School District celebrated International Dot Day on Sept. 16. Classes filled the school auditorium to mark the occasion which takes place globally each year. The day is based on Peter Reynolds’ book “The Dot” which encourages others to make their mark on the world and see where it takes them. 

Noting that it is her favorite day of the year, Principal Dr. Denise Toscano spoke with students about the meaning of International Dot Day. The day also served as a pep rally for the start of the school year where the school’s three R’s were reinforced — Respect, Responsibility and Relationships. 

“Dot Day has a very important message and is the foundation of what we believe at Boyd,” she said. “It is a day where we celebrate creativity, courage and collaboration.” 

Dr. Toscano played a video of the “Dot Day” story as students watched intently. After discussing the book, she reminded students how much everyone at the school believes in them, fitting with the school’s motto of “Boyd Believes in Me.” 

The students were asked to turn to a partner and discuss a time when someone encouraged them. They also spoke about how they could encourage another person and then shared their answers with the student body. 

“Your simple words can make a difference,” Dr. Toscano reminded them. 

Together, students and staff sang “The Dot Song” by Emily Dale and Peter Reynolds to close out the assembly and worked on Dot Day activities and lessons throughout the school day.