Monday, March 25, 2013
Creation of Hope
Friday before our spring break, we had a very special opportunity at OKM. The award winning author, Eric Walters, made an impassioned presentation about his books and the experiences that led to the stories. We learned that he is also an activist involved in founding the Creation of Hope, an orphanage and outreach program in Kenya.
Mr. Walters spoke to our students about his travels, about the writing process, about humanitarianism and about respect and honesty in portrayal of groups of people or individuals. On his website he included advice for young writers, stating that: "The most important thing anybody ever told me about writing was to write what you know . . . and the only way to get to know things is to do your homework and research before you write," In our presentation he demonstrated how exciting the research can be; working with young tigers, meeting up with members of a motorcycle gang, travelling to far corners of the world, and more!
The presentation by Eric Walters included some good natured teasing, lots of laughter and some genuine inspiration. Some OKM students in Ms. Franczak's class are now interested in following up with some type of fundraising effort for the Creation of Hope. They were particularly impressed with how all funds raised go directly to projects that help people create opportunities locally without the costs of middle men. For information contact the school library, Ms. Franczak, or the Creation of Hope website.
Link to more information about Eric Walters.
Monday, February 25, 2013

Classes are booked to see the presentation, but there is still room for a few more individual students. If you are interested, please sign up in the library!
Walters, like fellow writer Eric Wilson, started his writing career while teaching school. It was his way of encouraging his reluctant readers and writers to become more involved in literature. Since his first book in 1993 he has gone on to write more than 70 novels for young adults. Some deal with contemporary historical fiction—Run (Terry Fox), Safe as Houses (Hurricane Hazel), We all Fall Down (World Trade Centre disaster), while others deal with topics related to social activism—Shattered (soup kitchens and war), Rebound (being wheelchair bound), etc. His books have won numerous awards. We have 30 of Walters's books on our library shelves and more in our English textbook and lit circle collections.
Friday, January 25, 2013
A New Semester!
All students must return texts from semestered courses and all overdue library materials. Bring all classroom texts to your teachers on exam days. Anyone who is late returning texts to teachers, must bring overdues directly to the library. Students with outstanding materials will be billed on report card day.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
WELCOME BACK!
“And now let us welcome the new year, full of things that never were.”
― Rainer Maria Rilke (Poet)"In the New Year, may your right hand always be stretched out in friendship, but never in want."
―Irish toast
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