- J
- C
I am posting for the first time in 21 years of teaching high school, to ask for donations. If anyone could pitch in to buy each one of my students a book of their own, you will be helping them help someone else.
My senior classes decided to spend their final semester learning about a cause that feels close to their hearts with the end goal of raising money for a local nonprofit organization. They will research the credibility of the organizations they choose and we will invite representatives to speak.
Chula Vista is significantly impacted by the number of service members who live there.
Therefore, my students have chosen to read David Finkel's acclaimed book, "Thank You for Your Service' which explores the various detrimental ways war affects soldiers who have returned home, often with little support.
My students will have individual projects due as well as an argumentative essay focusing on one specific change that could alleviate the situation. Reading the book and watching the subsequent movie, along with listening to guest speakers and researching relevant issues, will allow students to educate themselves and find evidence that supports their idea for a solution.
Purchasing specific books for public schools is not as easy as one might think. I am getting a teacher's discount of 20% at Barnes & Nobel (cheaper and faster than purchasing through the district) and the book is $20 per book for paperback. We are eager to begin and this is the fastest way I can think to get them started.
These are great South Bay students who face various challenges of their own. I have taught seniors at Chula Vista High School for over 20 years. My real goal with all of my students is to get them to care about something, really just anything. And be smart and perseverent enough to affect it: either fight for it, legislate it, rally against it, educate about it...just do something!
It's a big ask. Money is money.
If you can and want to, I would love to get an actual book in each student's hand. This digital engagement in reading is not good for their eyes, their brains, or their learning.
p.s. This is not a request for my advanced CSU Expository Writing students. This project is the focus of my general education English classes made up of a variety of students from English language learners to students with learning disabilities. Engagement is the ticket with these kids and they seem to care about this issue. I asked them to raise their hands if they had a family member in the service and I estimate easily 50% of the hands were raised.
The students owning their copy of the book could mean the book ending up in the right home at the right time when a family member may be suffering from PTSD or other consequences themselves.
NPR review 'All Things Considered'
