One Book, One School, One Community
Press Release, December 16, 2011
Laingsburg, Mich. – Every teacher and student at Laingsburg High School will drop everything and read the same book – The Last Lecture by Randy Paush – at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20.
In a different twist on the more traditional “One Book” programs done by community groups, cities and universities, organizers in Laingsburg are using the model at the local district level to introduce the late Pausch’s powerful messages including creating goals, imagining the life you want, creating that life and having supportive people around you, according to Jennifer Strickland, LHS teacher and member of the reading team coordinating the program.
Students will also use iTunes U to watch Pausch’s actual last lecture, entitled “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams.” Aware that he had a fatal disease, his colleagues at Carnegie Mellon University gave him the honor of giving a “last lecture,”which is usually reserved for retiring professors.
“This book is the story of his life, his dreams, and the events in his life that were the inspiration for his lecture,” explained Strickland. “After watching the video, teachers will hand out the book to each student and, no matter what class they’re in, students, staff and teachers will stop all other activities to spend one hour reading the book.”
Reading team members at the high school received a $5,850 grant from the Laingsburg Educational Advancement Foundation for the program.
The novel was chosen for its cross-curricular connections, inspirational message and accessible reading level, according to Strickland, who points out that an all-school novel will unify the school, give teachers a common thread for discussions and keep the importance of reading in the forefront of all students’ and teachers’ minds. Lesson plans and discussion starters are available for subjects such as African-American studies, athletics, astronomy, biology, math, history communication, chemistry, business and English, among many others.
“This program is unique for a high school in this area. Communities and universities have been coming together for a common read for a few years now, however, for a high school with all its teachers, administrators, office staff and students to have the opportunity for a common-ground experience is rather unique. And then on top of that, we want to include the community and parents in on the experience and discussion.”
Strickland said teachers and students are hoping the community will get involved through a Wiki set up by teachers from the school. Students will be introduced to the Wiki after the reading session, and encouraged to log on over the Christmas break with their parents and siblings to learn more about Pausch and his inspirational messages. Information is also going out to community members asking them to watch the video, read the book and join in the conversations, added Strickland.
The link for the Wiki is http://www.laingsburg.k12.mi.us/groups/thelastlecture1/ and contains a free download link for the “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams” video.
“This Wiki is our way to bring together our larger community around this common, inspirational theme,” said Strickland. “We encourage students and parents to leave comments on the Wiki blog. We hope this creates good discussion in families and in the community.”
After the holiday break, teachers will be able to keep the story and conversation going by incorporating aspects of the book into lesson plans.
Laingsburg’s One Book program is being funded through a $5,850 grant from the Laingsburg Educational Advancement Foundation, which makes annual awards to district teachers who apply for funding for items not covered in the school system’s general budget. Started in 1994, LEAF has given out almost $200,000 in grants over the years, including nearly $20,000 this month for projects in the 2011-12 school year.
