Andover Central School District

We are launching a new district-wide initiative with a multiple purposes: encouraging family engagement, strengthening our literacy skills, and building a culture of kindness and respect.

We are asking every family to join us in reading Wonder starting next week. From 15-minute nightly readings to a district-wide movie night, we need your partnership to make these lessons stick.

Please read the full message from Superintendent Jennifer Joyce for the schedule and your "call to action":

Subject: Building a Community of Kindness: Our "One School, One Book" Journey

Dear Parents and Guardians, I am excited to announce a new school-wide literacy initiative called One School, One Book. Everyone from our youngest students to our graduating seniors will read the same book: Wonder by R.J. Palacio.

Why Are We Reading Wonder?

This project helps our students become better readers, but it also has a deeper purpose. Wonder tells the story of Auggie Pullman, a boy with a facial difference who enters a public school for the first time. This book reminds all of us about the importance of being kind to one another.

Our Goal: Respect is Required

We want to be very clear about our expectations: Students do not have to be best friends with everyone. They do not even have to like every person they meet.

However, kindness and respect are required. We are asking you to help us reinforce this at home. Please talk to your children about how their words and actions impact others. Using the story of Wonder, you can discuss:

• The difference between "not liking" someone and being mean to them.
• How "small" comments or jokes can deeply hurt someone else.
• Why it takes courage to stand up for others instead of just watching.

A Special Note to Families of Older Students

We are holding our Middle and High Schoolers to a high standard. Younger students look up to the older grades as leaders. Since the whole school is reading this book, younger children will likely try to talk to older students about the story. We need our older students to lead by example and participate sincerely. Please help us hold them accountable for being mentors and showing empathy to their younger peers.

Call to Action: We Need Your Help

To make a real, lasting change in our school, we need your help. We cannot do this alone. These lessons only stick when they are supported by families at home.

We are asking every family to do the following:

• The Book Kick-off: During the week of January 12th, younger students (Pre-K–6th) will get their books at an assembly. They will then also "gift" a book to our older students (7th–12th). Ask your child about this exchange!
• Finish by February 12th: Please read the book together by February 12th. That night, we will host a Family Movie Night to watch the film version of Wonder at the school.
• 15 Minutes a Night: You will receive a reading schedule to help you stay on track. It should only take about 15 minutes each night.
• Start the Conversation: Use dinner time or car rides to talk about the "Choose Kind" message.

Reading this book together gives our whole community a shared way to talk about feelings and behavior. It helps us move from just having "school rules" to having a true culture of kindness.

Thank you for helping us make sure every student feels safe and respected.

Proudly serving our school,

Jennifer Joyce Superintendent/Business Administrator