Freedom Writers text

Sultan High School is a small rural school gently nestled in the idyllic setting of the SkyValley in Western  Washington.  Typically we are a wonderully warm and welcoming community but last fall a very turbulent cloud of darkness fell over our town.  Kids were hurt and, in response, other kids began hurting themselves.  The sadness seemed contagious and overwhelming.
With the new year, came a renewed spirit of optimism. By holding each other close, it feels that we have begun to heal. 
In this spirit of hope, Erin Gruwell, teacher and author of THE FREEDOM WRITERS DIARY, visited our school and helped us begin a "Wounded Healers" movement.  Rather than silence, students are learning to reach out to each other and tell their stories of survival just as Erin's students did in the diary. 
We would like to be able to purchase a copy of the diary for each of the 550 students in our building.  With tax, shipping, and handling the books come to just under $20 each.  If we are able to get a price break for this quantity, we will use any remaining funds to purchase Erin's teacher text TEACHING HOPE.  If we somehow exceed our goal we will begin looking at ways to send our teachers to THE FREEDOM WRITERS summer institute. 
Even if we aren't able to get a book for every single student, it would be an amazing gift to provide a copy to those most impacted by her wonderful gift of hope.  Our goal is to have books in the hands of our kids before we say goodbye to them at graduation this June.