Each year, students in Notre Dame’s middle division read a book together on a day designated as “Community Read Day.” The book chosen for this year was “Ugly: My Memoir,” the unique and inspiring story of a boy born with the odds against him and the family whose love and support helped him overcome incredible hardships. It was originally published in 2013.
Ginny Pauwels, a 6th grade language and technology teacher in the middle division, summarizes the 'read' day — which this year was held on January 30 — and how the students were affected by the book as well as a number of special activities.
More photos are posted below.
By Ginny Pauwels, Notre Dame’s middle division
When the Civil Rights Act was passed in 1964, it was to end segregation in public places and ban employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. One group of Americans that was not included in this legislation were Americans with disabilities. Not until 1990, when the Americans with Disabilities Act became law, were disabled Americans granted equal opportunities in the workforce. The ADA prohibits discrimination in employment, public services, public accommodations and telecommunications.
This year’s community read book for the Notre Dame middle division was “Ugly” by Robert Hoge. Hoge was born with a tumor on his face that left him without a nose, eyes set on the side of his head and deformed legs. (He eventually would lose both of his legs.) Ugly is his memoir. The middle division students and staff read Ugly together over a two-week period. Community read came to a close with an entire day devoted to learning more about people with disabilities. Students heard from Josh Stokes (OU Center for Autism), who helped them understand what it is like live in his world. Three people talked to the students about alcohol and drug addiction. Leader Dogs for the Blind brought in working dogs for the students to see. A Michigan paralyzed veteran shared his story. Students also were able to experience firsthand many types of disabilities through the Rochester Community Schools Disabilities Awareness Workshop. Students learned about the ADA as well.
The book and the day brought a greater awareness to the students and staff of the everyday challenges people with disabilities face. More importantly, the students learned that those with disabilities don’t want pity or sympathy; they want to be given the same opportunity to reach their full potential.
Quotes from students about the day:
“People with disabilities are still people. We should want to learn and understand what they are going through.”
“I learned that people with autism can learn to do many things that I used to think they couldn't. I also found it very interesting that some people with autism can see the lights flicker, hear our heartbeats, and feel people walking by.”
“My opinion on alcoholism and drug abuse changed, because I never thought that it was considered a disability before but this helped me learn how to be more empathetic.”
“I learned a lot more than I thought I would. I learned all about the challenges and everyday life of people with disabilities.”
Comments or questions? mkelly@ndpma.org.
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About Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy
Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy is a private, Catholic, independent, coeducational day school located in Oakland County. The school's upper division enrolls students in grades nine through twelve and has been named one of the nation's best 50 Catholic high schools (Acton Institute) four times since 2005. Notre Dame's middle and lower divisions enroll students in jr. kindergarten through grade eight. All three divisions are International Baccalaureate "World Schools." The Marist Fathers and Brothers sponsor NDPMA's Catholic identity and manages its educational program. Notre Dame is accredited by the National Association of Independent Schools, the Independent Schools Association of the Central States and the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement. For more on Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy, visit the school's home page at www.ndpma.org.