BOURNE – Superintendent Kerri Anne Quinlan-Zhou and Principal Christine Borning are pleased to announce that Bourne Middle School has hosted a kickoff assembly this week as the school kicks off a new month-long reading program .

“One School, One Book” was presented to the school by BMS Library Media Specialist Sara Riggle, who was looking for a way to bring the school together with an exciting and engaging reading experience. She learned “One School, One Book” on the website readtothem.org, who had ideas on how to select a book, implement the month-long program, and integrate it into the school community.

At a school-wide assembly on Monday, November 22, the school revealed that students will be reading Gordon Korman’s book “Restart” as part of the program. The delivered focuses on a teenager who has the chance to reinvent himself after a serious injury. It explores the themes of anti-bullying, kindness and growth. Every BMS student received a copy of the book, as did teachers and staff.

Over the next few weeks, teachers will set 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 the morning announcements, prizes will be given to students for answering trivia questions, and classes will participate in a door decorating contest centered on themes found in the book.

In order to involve the entire Bourne Middle School community, the school encourages students to take 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 timeline to help pace their reading.

By the end of December, Principal Borning, Riggle and school guidance counselors will meet to discuss how the school will end the program.

“It’s important to find creative ways to create communities inside and outside of school that foster a deep love of reading,” said Riggle. “This book is very relevant to this age group, and it is written in a way that students will find funny, engaging and relatable. I’m very excited to see what the next month brings, and there is already a noticeable buzz around the school about this program.

Riggle said the district has strongly supported the ideas she has come up with so far this year as she steps into her role as BMS Library Media Specialist, and Principal Borning and school staff have immediately participated in the implementation of the program “One school, one book” program.

“I am delighted that Sara has implemented this program at BMS,” said Director Borning. “Generating interest in reading both in the building and in the wider community is something we place a high priority on, and this program will do so in a very engaging way. ”

To learn more about the One School, One Book program, click on here.

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