In a local adaptation of Chicago’s "One Book, One Chicago" program, District 200 joined the cities of Wheaton and Warrenville in the spring of 2004 to unite the communities through literature. The program was launched on April 20, 2004 when contemporary poet David Baker spoke to the community and read some of his poems at Wheaton Warrenville South High School. Baker teaches English and creative writing at Denison University in Granville, Ohio and has written several poetry books. Joining Mr. Baker at the inaugural poetry event were several students who read their original poetry and Wheaton Mayor Jim Carr and former Warrenville Mayor Vivian Lund. The two mayors read their favorite selection from Good Poems, an anthology edited by Garrison Keillor, which was selected as the book to be read, shared, discussed, and enjoyed throughout the year. It is hoped that a greater appreciation of poetry will inspire an outpouring of original poems from the pens of Wheaton and Warrenville students and adults.

Community Partners in Poetry is directed by a committee of Wheaton and Warrenville citizens, including teachers and staff in District 200. They are Jim Carr, Lee Prior, Carol Honeywell, Sharon Huck, Judy Kennedy, Ray Kimber, Jim Langlas, Craig Lawrence, Ben Peterselli, George Safford, Heather Stull, and Cynthia Woods.