Holcomb Bridge Launches 2nd Annual 'One School, One Book' Project

Holcomb Bridge Middle School recently launched an initiative that combines its 2nd Annual “One School, One Book” Project, a series of inter-disciplinary learning activities about global issues and participation in a global service learning initiative called “Raising South Sudan.”

This year’s “One School, One Book” school-wide reading selection is award-winning "A Long Walk to Water," by Linda Sue Park. The book is inspired by the story of Salva Dut, one of approximately 3,800 former "Lost Boys of Sudan" who fled civil war as children, grew up in refugee camps, and were specially invited in 2001 to come to the U.S. and become citizens.

The Atlanta metro area was one of the destination cities for the former “Lost Boys.”

The Holcomb Bridge students spent time immersing themselves in the culture and context of South Sudan, the newest country in the world as of July 2011. After finishing the book, on Friday, September 28, former Lost Boy and Decatur resident Ngor Kur Mayol spoke at a student assembly and lunch to which parents, community members were invited.

A theme that “anyone can make a difference in the world” will be woven into the curriculum throughout the 2012 academic year. 

“We’re excited to continuously communicate principles of global caring across 47 cultures in our diverse school!” said eighth grade teacher Dana Ferrara.

Students will discuss “iCare” character traits with “GATE Mentors.” The acronym stands for Gifts, Abilities, Talents and Excellence.

Holcomb Bridge "One School, One Project"

Mayol’s participation with Holcomb Bridge is made possible through “The Global Class™” of 501c3 non-profit Mothering Across Continents (MAC). Through this collaboration, Holcomb Bridge will also be able to participate in “Raising South Sudan” global learning and service. The initiative creates awareness and raises funds for school building and education in Mayol’s home region of Unity State, South Sudan. According to United Nations data, only 10 percent of children in Unity State have access to classes in permanent school buildings and an estimated two percent of boys and one percent of girls graduate from primary school. 

“We face our own educational challenges, certainly, but we are still so fortunate in the U.S. and Georgia,” said Principal Joy Schroerlucke.

“The "One School, One Book" project is one way for us to reinforce how important education is and why we should all value it,” said Elizabeth Peacock, The Global Class – Mothering Across Continents (MAC). “Holcomb Bridge is a true role model of what can be done when imaginative, innovative teachers are dedicated to global learning.”