FAQs
What is the goal of the One School, One Story program?
To build community through a shared reading experience. When everyone is reading the same book (students, staff, custodians, coaches, etc.) it connects people. 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 June, every rising 9th-12th grade student, teacher and staff member will be gifted a copy of the winning title to read, keep, and share with friends and family. Students who enroll in the school district over the summer can pick up a copy of the book in the CRLS main office. Digital copies of the book are available through SORA, the CRLS Library's digital collection.
Who can I contact with questions?
Principal Damon Smith: dsmith@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 summer reading programs, the One School, One Story program is a year-long program.
The student committee starts reading and vetting books in the fall, the entire school community is introduced to the 10 book finalists, 80 students read books as part of the Read-a-thon, books are given to students in June, reading support packets are distributed, the reading is integrated into summer reading programs throughout the city, as well as CRLS summer school and Summer Discovery, and in the fall all teachers conduct lessons around the book topic/theme.
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 Support Packets will be made available to students. Packets 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.
The book is integrated into the following summer school programs: Summer Discovery Program, CRLS and HSEP Summer Reading Support
I loved Scythe! 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.