From P.S. Jones Middle School

 

All teachers and students at P.S. Jones Middle School will get their hands on a great book this year if fundraising is a success for a new literacy program that teachers and administration hope to implement. The reading of the book is part of a national literacy initiative entitled One School, One Book. Every teacher and student will spend approximately 30 minutes daily during a four-week period reading, discussing and completing activities together in relation to the novel. All areas of the curriculum will also be incorporated into lessons: music, art, physical activity, etc. The novel that has been chosen for this program is “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio. “Wonder” tells the story of a young man with a severe facial deformity who is entering middle school for the first time. It follows his trials and successes, and readers find themselves cheering for the young hero with each choice and new step that he takes. The novel choice lends itself to the teaching of the character traits of empathy, compassion and tolerance, and will help bolster the school’s anti-bullying program.

Staff and students would like to encourage the community to support the One School, One Book program by donating funds to go toward the purchase of books. With over 900 teachers and students, and books costing around $10 each, the total cost of the program is around $10,000. If you are interested in sharing in this literacy initiative and helping to combat bullying within our local schools, please make donations to “P.S. Jones” and either mail or bring by the school on Market Street Extension. Former, present and future students and parents of P.S. Jones are encouraged to contribute to this program that will benefit students now and for years to come. P.S. Jones also appreciates ECU​’s Air Force ROTC for helping collect donations for One School, One Book as a volunteer service project. Please contact Janet Calloway or Dawn Landen at the school, 252-946-0874, with any questions you may have. Together we can build a community of compassionate, tolerant, stronger readers, one book at a time.