The Cissna Park Education Foundation provided books for students in English 3 and Advanced Literature classes taught by Ms. Denise Burns.

English 3 students will enjoy the experience of reading The Book Thief by Markus Zusak as a part of their Holocaust unit for years to come. English 3 students enjoyed the experience of reading Dear Justyce by Nic Stone as a part of their social consciousness unit. 

“Students will be reading this book for years to come,” said Burns. “This book is the sequel to Dear Martin also by Nic Stone and both books provide perspective with regard to social norms, opportunities, and inadequacies in the world around us today.”

In Advanced Literature, book choices rotate through a four-year cycle; however, Dracula by Bram Stoker, The Help by Kathryn Stockett, and Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom, will be a permanent part of the rotation. Students in Advanced Literature were asked to respond to the experience of reading Tuesdays with Morrie and to share favorite quotes from the book. 

This year, thanks to the Cissna Park Education Foundation, Advanced Literature students were afforded the opportunity to read Helen Keller’s story through the engaging play, “The Miracle Worker” by William Gibson. They also read portions of her autobiography, The Story of My Life, exploring the letters and journals that recounted her experiences and learning progress.

Students in Advanced Literature participated in a partnered activity wherein each had to construct a paper air-plane while blindfolded by following their partner’s verbal instructions. “Sighted” partners were not allowed to physically assist. This activity helped put in perspective just a portion of the challenges Helen Keller had to overcome.