Sometimes life can move us far away from places and people we care about. But, along the way, a memory, an item, or a photograph can help us feel connected or right at home again.
This January, Shawnee Mission School District is exploring the theme “Find Your Way” as we Read Across SMSD.
At Shawnee Mission North High School, three students and Principal David Ewers took some time to highlight some treasured items that have been special to them on their journey.
The featured elementary book this month is “A Maleta Full of Treasures” by Natalia Sylvester. In this story, a young girl has a great time connecting with her grandmother when she visits from another country. The grandmother shares messages from family, experiences, and treats from back home. It is very difficult when they have to say goodbye, but a surprise from the grandmother reminds the girl of their important connections.
Inspired by the book, three Shawnee Mission North High School students shared a few treasures of their own and packed a suitcase, just like the girl in the book.
Erika shared her Quince crown that she wore during her Quinceañera.
“It reminds me of my religion, my Mexican heritage, my extended family, and the fun memories we made at my Quince,” Erika explained. “It also helps me think about the woman I am growing up to be.”
Thinking about her family’s Laotian heritage, Bella brought a Dok Champa flower. This flower is often used in traditional Lao clothing and accessories.
“It reminds me of my parents and happy times,” Bella shared. “It also reminds me of my ancestors, where they are from, and all they have done for me.”
Edgar shared that even though he talks to his grandmother, who lives in Mexico, regularly, he still misses her. But, when he sees a special bird toy she gave him as a child he feels reconnected.
“Every time I see this gift, like the girl in the book, it reminds me of my grandmother, how much I love her, and it helps me feel close to her,” Edgar added.
David Ewers added a graduation stole, sharing how it represents an event that brings the entire community together in happiness.
“We could fill the suitcase with hundreds of different treasures from all of the students in our school,” Ewers noted. “Everyone has their own unique treasures and stories. But, something that connects us is the school community we all share at Shawnee Mission North. I know that the same is true for all of the schools in our district.”
January reading and learning resource
Read Across SMSD is modeled after the national Read Across America program and is led in partnership with NEA-Shawnee Mission and the Shawnee Mission Education Foundation. Access to books for Shawnee Mission students is made possible through the Foundation.
Click here for the Read Across SMSD webpage, featuring resources from previous years, archive videos and more information about the program.
Here are the Read Across SMSD January titles from the NEA book list:
Elementary
A Maleta Full of Treasures
By Natalia Sylvester
Middle Grade
Abeni’s Song
By P. Djèlí Clark
Young Adult
Wings in the Wild
By Margarita Engle
Shawnee Mission School District is the third largest school district in Kansas. The district serves students in Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade in 34 elementary schools, five middle schools, five high schools, and several educational centers. It has been consistently ranked among the finest school districts nationwide for its high student performance. The district’s objective is that each student will have a personalized learning plan that will prepare them for college and careers, with the interpersonal skills they need for life success. The district serves a diverse student population from 14 cities within northeast Johnson County, Kansas, which is 10 miles from downtown Kansas City, Missouri. For more information, visit www.smsd.org.
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