Choose kindness is a simple but powerful lesson we want all our children to learn. What better way to instill this theme than by having children read the powerful novel Wonder – that tells the story of Auggie Pullman – a boy born with severe facial deformities and how we should choose to be kind and inclusive to people like him.
Each year the Richard Murphy School hosts a special academic learning night called One Book, One School. It’s a fun event where students and their families can participate in math and literacy games based around a a special theme. It was decided that this year’s theme would be “choose kindness’’ and students at the Murphy would read the award-winning book Wonder.
In order to ensure that all students had access to the book, Murphy parent and council member Lisa Jackson and Murphy teacher Sarah Nilsen reached out to the Martin Richard Foundation for help. The mission of the Martin Richard Foundation is for young people to learn, grow and lead and spread the message of inclusion, kindness and peace. So it was a natural fit.
The Martin Richard Foundation graciously and generously donated a copy of Wonder and We Are All Wonder (for younger readers) to all students. The books were delivered on Monday.
“This is literally a dream come true for us! Thanks to the kindness of the Martin Richard Foundation all our students will be able to read Wonder and learn the important message of this book,” said Courtney Sheppeck, principal of the Murphy. “The books actually arrived on Ms. Nilsen’s birthday – such an amazing gift. We are super excited for this event,” added Sheppeck.
The One Book, One School event takes place on May 10th and is open to all Murphy School families. The Murphy School serves over 950 students.
Maureen Dahill is the editor of Caught in Southie and a lifelong resident of South Boston sometimes mistaken for a yuppie. Co-host of Caught Up, storyteller, lover of red wine and binge watching TV series. Mrs. Peter G. Follow her @MaureenCaught.
