2011+Summer+Reading+Letter

We, the teachers of Holy Innocents’, love books. Of course, we are supposed to love books. We chose education for a living because we knew what could be found between the two covers of a great work of fiction, a reality-based work, or a commentary on the world. Many of us are self-proclaimed nerds who love nothing more than curling up with a good read to pass the time. And it’s no secret that we want the same for you.

But what we heard from several of you -- through conversations, the student survey sponsored by student council, our courseroom feedback -- was that we could do better at helping you embrace reading for the sake of reading. In other words, we asked ourselves what could we do to help develop your passion for lifelong reading around your interests, passions, and curiosities (and not just for the plot, characters, and literary analysis of a given work).

With that in mind, we want to try something a bit different for your summer reading experience. Collectively, we have gathered books that have moved us personally, challenged our notions about the world, and influenced our ideas of the shared human experience of which we are all a part. Books about the culture of winning (and losing), football in a small Texas town, the true ownership of one’s body, and race and identity of a young child in 21st century America are among our selections for the summer.

For the Summer 2011, we ask you to engage with a book. It’s quite simple. From the list of books we have selected, choose a work that you find exciting. It may be a book that connects with a personal passion of yours, it may be one that piques your interest in your future career, or it may be one that contains a subject that angers you. It is our sincere hope that you connect with the book you choose to spend the summer with.

Whatever your selection may be, read it during the summer months. On August 16th--your orientation day--we will spend 90 minutes in discussion sessions with others who have selected the same book. You will have the opportunity to share your impressions of the book, discuss the books’ themes and relevance in today’s society, and ask each other questions about their experiences with their reading. We will be there to help facilitate discussion -- know that it is our expectation for you to drive the conversation.

Show up on August 16th. Be prepared to ask yourself this question: “Has the discussion been elevated to a better place because of my presence?” If you can earnestly answer the question with a “yes”, you may find yourself eligible for a bit of a reward. And if not, know that you have wasted an opportunity. The choice is yours.

In short, we heard you. And we wanted to do something a bit different for your summer reading. Yes, you’ll continue to have your math packet. And you’ll have one book to read. At your own pace and on your own time -- between now and August. We are trusting you to come prepared, engaged, and ready to discuss. We are taking a chance because we believe you to capable -- we want you to do the same.

**Logistics**
 * 1) During English class on Friday, April 29th, you will have the opportunity to view the summer reading list on your Holy Innocents’ portal.
 * 2) Select a work on the list, noting the ISBN number (10 or 13 digits).
 * 3) Complete the survey (the link will be provided to you). This will ensure that we record your choice for the summer.
 * 4) Order your book from amazon.com or any other source that you may wish to use. (Again, note the ISBN number so that you all order the same book).
 * 5) In the month of June, you will granted access to a wikispace corresponding to your book choice. There you will find some questions to help guide your reading over the summer.
 * 6) Read and come prepared to engage on August 16th. Attendance is required. Please contact your dean if you should have any issues.