BOURNE — Superintendent Kerri Anne Quinlan-Zhou and Principal Christine Borning are pleased to announce that Bourne Middle School held a kick-off assembly this week as the school starts a new month-long reading program.
“One School, One Book” was brought to the school by BMS Library Media Specialist Sara Riggle, who was looking to find a way to bring the school together with an exciting and engaging reading experience. She learned of “One School, One Book” on the website readtothem.org, which had ideas on how to select a book, implement the month-long program and incorporate it into the school community.
At a school-wide assembly Monday, Nov. 22, the school revealed that students will be reading the book “Restart” by Gordon Korman as part of the program. The book focuses on a teenager who is given a chance to reinvent himself after a serious injury. It explores themes of anti-bullying, kindness and growing up. Each BMS student has been given a copy of the book, as were teachers and staff members.
In the coming weeks, teachers will be setting aside time to read and discuss the book, and Riggle will be available during lunch periods for additional reading and discussion time. Facts about the book will be discussed during morning announcements, prizes will be given out to students for answering trivia questions, and classes will be engaging in a door decorating contest centered around themes found in the book.
In order to engage the entire Bourne Middle School community, the school is encouraging students to bring the book home and read it with their families. Resources and activities will be provided for families to discuss the book outside of school, including a suggested calendar to help pace their reading.
By the end of December, Principal Borning, Riggle and school guidance counselors will be meeting to discuss ways the school will conclude the program.
“It’s important to find creative ways to create communities within the school and outside of school that foster a deep love of reading,” Riggle said. “This book is highly relevant to this age group, and it’s written in a way that students will find funny, enjoyable and relatable. I’m very excited to see what the next month will bring, and there is already a noticeable buzz around the school about this program.”
Riggle said the district has been highly supportive of the ideas she has come up with so far this year as she enters her role as BMS library media specialist, and Principal Borning and school staff were immediately on board with implementing the “One School, One Book” program.
“I am thrilled that Sara has implemented this program at BMS,” Principal Borning said. “Generating interest for reading both in the building and in the larger community is something we put a high priority on, and this program will do that in a very engaging way.”
To learn more about the One School, One Book program, click here.
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