The CVSD Common Read

We are excited to introduce something new happening in the Champlain Valley School District: The CVSD Common Read. A large number of students from across CVSD have been invited to read books during the summer along a similar theme and will then gather in the fall at CVU for a day of celebration & learning in relation to the theme.

CVSD Common Read Rationale and Goals:

• To inspire and unify students and community members through envisioning, planning and collaborating on works of literature or art that educate about important themes of our time

• To discover and learn interdisciplinary subject matter and real-life skills through collaborative design projects

The theme of social justice has been chosen for this year’s Common Read. For this first year, students entering 4th, 6th, 8th & 9th grades from across CVSD will take part in this new initiative. The books selected are: 

• Preaching to the Chickens  (next year’s 4th graders)
• Ghost Boys or A Good Kind of Trouble  (next year’s 6th graders)
• Ghost Boys  or March   (next year’s 8th graders)
• March   (next year’s 9th graders)

The titles were selected and matched with recommended age levels. Families of students currently in grades 5 and 7 could choose which book their child would read.

At a kickoff event in each school at the end of May, students were presented with their books and some received them this week. They are encouraged to read their book over the summer.

Some additional details:

View the CVSD Common Read website for book summaries and other information. Summer programming opportunities will be shared on the website as well. (bit.ly/CVSDCommonRead)

• The website also offers alternative and additional titles to extend the reading or complement the books.
• Read the book alongside and with your child.
• The books belong to the students. There’s no need to return them to school.
• New! Champlain Valley Union High School will host a community discussion about March: Book One by civil rights leader and member of Congress, John Lewis, on Wednesday, June 19th, from 6:00-7:00 PM in the CVU Library. All are welcome.

We invite all families, regardless of the grade or age of your child(ren) to engage with reading over the summer! If you’d like to focus on the common topic of social justice, check the Common Read website as new materials, activities, and ideas will be added over time.

Students entering 4th, 6th, 8th, and 9th grades will attend an amazing day of learning and celebration at CVU on September 5. The day at CVU will include cross grade-level discussions & activities with other students and grade levels from across CVSD, author talks/presentations, hands-on art projects, and more. Participation in the celebration is not contingent on reading one of the books. More information about the celebration will be shared at the start of the 2019-2020 school year and on the website.

The Champlain Valley School District is a community of readers. The shared experience of reading and talking about books brings us together, helps us develop empathy, and expands our perspectives. Thank you for joining the conversation.


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