FAQs

What is the goal of the One School, One Story program? 

To build community through a shared reading experience. When participants read the same book (students, staff, custodians, coaches, etc.) it connects them. It gives them a common experience. It builds empathy and cultural humility. It builds community. It promotes conversation about how the ideas raised in the book connect with our community. 

How can I get a copy of the summer reading book?

In March, every 9th-grade student will be gifted a copy of the winning title to read, keep, and share with friends and family. 10th-12th grade students can choose to receive a copy of the book by signing up to participate. Digital copies of the book are available through SORA, the CRLS Library's digital collection. 

Who can I contact with questions?

• Interim Principal Allan Gately Gehant: agatelygehant@cpsd.us

• One School, One Story Committee: OneSchoolOneStory@cpsd.us

What about choice? 

Student choice is at the heart of One School, One Story. Every year, students drive the book consideration process and vote on which book is ultimately chosen. The student feedback collected through annual surveys inform the direction of the program for the next year.

Why One Story when there are so many?

One School, One Story promotes the joys of literacy by centering on the students' reading experience and celebrating reading as part of our community's culture through deeper conversations. In the past, summer reading programs focused on the quantity of books students read over the summer and not so much the quality of the reading experience for students. When adults focused on the number of pages or books students read, they were centering the needs of adult stakeholders and not celebrating the act of reading. They were telling students that reading is a chore. Through this program, we are striving to create connection and build a love of reading by reading one book together as a community.

How is OSOS connected to the curriculum?

One School, One Story is embedded in the curriculum and is interdisciplinary. The program asks students to read deeply, meaningfully, and connect the text to their courses of study. When everyone returns to school in the fall, the school community will come together to participate in conversations and engaging activities related to the book and its themes. This shows students that reading matters in all subject areas and that all of their teachers are supporting their reading skills.

How is OSOS a year-long program?

Unlike traditional all-school reading programs, the One School, One Story program is a year-long program. 

• The student committee reads and vets books in the fall, the entire school community is introduced to the 8 book finalists, 90 students read books as part of the Read-a-thon, books are given to students in March, reading support packets are distributed, the reading is integrated into other programs throughout the city, May students can choose to participate in workshops and activities that connect to the reading. 

How does One School, One Story support all readers?

• Every student and staff member will receive copies of the book in their preferred format to keep (print, ebook, audiobook, when available). ELL and OSS teachers and students will receive copies of the book in the spring, in order to give those teachers time to preview the text and start reading the book in class if needed. 

• Reading Resources will be made available to students. The resource page will include resources to help scaffold the reading, including a visual glossary, character list, chapter summaries translated into students’ home languages, story timeline, activities, etc. 

• Reading socially supports SEL by cultivating empathy, enhancing social problem solving, and developing cultural humility. 

I loved The Martian! What else should I read? 

We have a whole list of "read-alikes!" Click here to be directed to the webpage. 

I loved the book from last year! What else should I read? 

We have a whole list of "read-alikes!" Click here to be directed to the webpage.