A school-wide reading of “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio at Bayside Middle School ended with a week emphasizing kindness in word and deed.

Throughout the year, during Raider Prep time, teachers had read the novel to students.  The book tells the story of how Auggie Pullman, who has extreme facial deformities, shocked students when he entered middle school. Bayside readers discussed the treatment of the character as well as bullying in real life.

Literacy specials Karen Beebe and Elizabeth Beagle organized the school-wide reading and also activities for “Wonder Week” that celebrated its conclusion. Besides thematic dress-up days and trivia questions, teachers could write notes of appreciation to colleagues and pass out notes of congratulations when students were “Caught in an act of Kindness.”

Following the lead of a teacher in the novel, BMS students wrote precepts or personal rules to remember how to treat others.  On the cafeteria wall are reminders such as “Treat everyone else like you want to be treated.”

“Wonder Week” ended with student film crews in the halls as each class created a video book trailer for the novel.