1. Our school wide read book was selected by a panel of 15 individuals.  This panel included several teachers from different grade levels, and disciplines.  Our media specialist, media clerk, and members of the local school council were also involved.  This team of individuals all read several books that were considered for the school wide read and completed a 17 point rubric. The rubric was created using important themes that should be present in any novel chosen.  Two examples of those themes were: 1) Is this book Rigorous, Relevant, and promote Relationships? 2) Can Character Education lessons be found in this novel.  After all novels considered were read and scored the top two choices were debated to open the floor for any questions.  Finally we had our final recommendation for Dr. Lomax.

2. The books were purchased by our PTA.

3. It is always night in the city of Ember. But there is no moon, no stars. The only light during the regular twelve hours of "day" comes from flood lamps that cast a yellowish glow over the streets of the city.  Among the many other things the people of Ember have forgotten is their past and a direction for their future. For 250 years they have lived pleasantly, because there has been plenty of everything in the vast storerooms. But now there are more and more empty shelves--and more and more times when the lights flicker and go out, leaving them in terrifying blackness for long minutes. What will happen when the generator finally fails?

4. The opening pep rally is held to kick-off the School Wide Read.  During this first pep rally we build interest in the book by performing a short skit written by Adam Montague that showcases a small section of the novel.  The faculty and staff help to foster enthusiasm by dancing to popular music along with their students.  We also play games and heard from our Key Note Speaker, Dr. Cabezas and our PTA President.  Finally we unveil a project that the entire community will work on.  While students are dismissing they receive their own copy of the novel.