Humphrey the hamster has become a welcome – and inspirational – addition to the Saluda Elementary School family.

Saluda Elementary staff, students, families and community members are participating in a shared experience with the book “The World According to Humphrey” by Betty G. Birney. Humphrey’s views underscore the importance of not making judgments, building relationships and making a positive difference in the lives of the people he meets.

As part of One Book, One Community, community members will create and perform a play based on the book.

As an attendance incentive, homeroom classes that spell PERFECT ATTENDANCE get to have Humphrey visit their classrooms. Classes earn a letter each day if all of their students are at school on time and stay all day.

Two classrooms – Nicole Bradley’s first grade class and Ginger Rackley’s fifth grade class – finished tied for the honor of receiving the first visit from Humphrey.

– submitted by PolkStudents.com