Summer Reading Purpose
For many years the SPHS English Department had required summer reading. About three years ago a group of teachers started asking how we could engage our entire campus. We decided to implement a "One Book, One School" program. The idea being that all student, faculty, and staff would read the same book during the summer so that we all can engage in an inspiring conversation. Some teacher use this as an opportunity to get to know their new students, others use inspiring questions as "ice-breakers" at the beginning of each class. We don't just leave it there. The Summer Reading Committee plans a culminating activity that brings everything together.
Summer Reading Committee
Each year we invite anyone who would like to participate to be a part of our summer reading committee. Students, teachers, parents, and community members are all welcome. The job of the committee members is to look at a variety of books that have been suggested for consideration for the program. We value the time each member commits to this program. We don't want your time wasted in long meetings. We try to keep it to a minimum. Much of our work can be done in an online community, but we do meet once for introductions and book nominations and once to make our final decision. . If you are interested in joining the committee, please contact Shelee Wilkerson at [email protected].
Do you wish to submit a book for consideration?
The committee welcomes all book suggestions. Please keep in mind that sometimes the first cut is the hardest. There are so many wonderful books that are readily available that we can't read them all.
Some things we consider when selecting our books:
Feel free to send any book suggestions to [email protected].
Some things we consider when selecting our books:
- Is the book readily available to all students?
- Does the book have purpose? Is there a theme that could be further explored? Remember we are looking for a conversation starter, a topic that could be explored in all classes.
- Would a teenager enjoy the book? We understand that the book that is chosen may not be enjoyed by 100% of our students, but we do are best to come close. Remember, this is summer.
- Cost. All books are paid through grants and donations. The very latest releases, although wonderful books, may not be possible.
Feel free to send any book suggestions to [email protected].