Massapequa Launches Dignity Act Initiative

Alfred G. Berner Middle School has launched a “One School-One Book” initiative for the 2014-15 school year in an effort to integrate social-emotional learning into the culture at Alfred G. Berner Middle School in alignment with the Dignity for All Students Act.

Through the initiative, students are learning beyond the classroom content by reading a common text, R.J. Palacio’s Wonder, with all staff members and the greater school community. The book is about a 10-year-old boy with facial differences and his experience attending public school for the first time. As a part of this initiative, staff and students are not only analyzing the text, but are looking deeper at the social implications and how students and the community can impact change together.

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Immersed in character education, the social-emotional curriculum educates students’ minds and hearts and aims to ensure that all students ‘choose kindness’ each day, according to Berner officials.

In addition to the lessons and conversations that are happening in classrooms, community members and parents were invited to participate in book talks to share in this literacy initiative, which took place.

“Focused on social emotional learning, the talks motivated parents and children to evaluate the characters in Wonder and their unique connections to the text,” said Executive Assistant Principal Ed Another session is planned for Jan. 13. Anyone interested in participating can email Kemnitzer at As part of this social-emotional curriculum, a school community walk-a-thon is being planned for May, during which students, staff, and community members will raise money for Smile Train, an international organization that provides free cleft repair surgeries to those in need.

Berner’s extra-curricular activities and clubs will also be contributing to this initiative throughout the year by engaging in activities that reflect the themes in Wonder.

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