To build school unity and make summer reading more fun, Voorhees Middle School will hold its “One School, One Book” program for the second year.
The book for the program was recently announced as “Wonder,” by R.J. Palacio, which was previously chosen by a committee of teachers and students.
“We try to select a book that is meaningful … and we like it to have some philanthropic tie to the community,” VMS Principal Robert Rossi said.
On May 20, the school will celebrate the book with a spring kick-off. The kick-off will be a brunch, book preview and open
forum for all of the “Top Readers” of VMS.
“We’re trying to make reading fun,” Rossi said.
Top readers are students who district-wide librarians kept track of having read the most books throughout the year. Rossi mentioned that top readers this year would include about 80 students, who will be able to enjoy the kick-off prior to the rest of the school.
“They get to meet the presenters first … it gathers a bit of excitement and celebrates our top readers,” Rossi said.
Incoming VMS students who are in grade five will come to the kick-off. This invitation will give the current elementary students a chance to see their potential middle school and also the unique opportunity to speak with special guests and current VMS students.
“Usually the fifth grade parents come too, and we welcome them,” Rossi said.
The kick-off will introduce students to representatives from the Children’s Craniofacial Association, and young people who have been affected by sicknesses and circumstances that have caused them to suffer craniofacial injuries. A service dog will also attend the kick-off.
The reason for the association being a highlight of the kick-off is a coherent theme that is captured throughout “Wonder.”
The book details the life of a middle school student named August Pullman, who is affected by a craniofacial deformity, and the struggles and triumphs he overcomes throughout his young life.
After summer reading last year, students participated in many different charity events to raise money for the Adam Taliaferro Foundation.
The One School, One Book initiative was inspired by alumnus Adam Taliaferro writing, “Miracle in the Making: The Adam Taliaferro Story.”
The former VMS student and Penn State football player was paralyzed after a serious injury. Since 2000, Taliaferro has regained his ability to walk.
Created by Taliaferro and his family, the foundation donates money to severely injured student athletes in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware.
Like the foundation, come the end of the year and beginning of next school year, VMS students will create many events in the community to raise money.
This year, the money will benefit the Children’s Craniofacial Association, and possibly a few other charities. Lessons beginning next school year will mirror lessons students learned from the book, and subsequent charity events.
“There are a lot of different lessons that can be learned,” Rossi said. “Especially from the characters presented in this book.”
Though VMS students in eighth grade are not required to read this year’s book, because they will be moving on to high school next year, top readers in the grade are still invited to the kick-off, and students are welcome to help with upcoming charity volunteering.
“They’re not expected to read it, but we include them in every aspect,” Rossi said.
Like the VMS students who will soon become freshmen in high school, parents of VMS students are not required to participate in the One School, One Book program. However, Rossi mentioned that he and the VMS teachers seriously suggest that parents read the book to connect with their children as students.
“We encourage parents to read the book as well … it really inspires the students to read,” Rossi said.
On Thursday, June 5, VMS will host a “Book Night” at the Barnes and Noble in Marlton from 3 to 9 p.m. Parents, students and all Voorhees community members are welcome to attend.
The night will highlight “Wonder,” and copies will be available for purchase. A portion of all sales from that night will be donated to the Children’s Craniofacial Association.
Though the events are beneficial to all students, faculty and charities involved in the One School, One Book program, Rossi mentioned his favorite part of the program to be the togetherness it creates.
“The unity is felt … the whole program really builds unity with our school and community,” Rossi said. “When everyone is involved, it opens up the lines of communication.”
