Students at Hallandale All-Magnet High School have initiated a book club, Chargers Read Café. The book club meets once a month, and in addition to student selections, different teachers and faculty members have selected and sponsored the event. At the onset of the school year, staff members chose a book they wished to share with students. Jennell Ward-Lozin, Reading Coach, is charged with ordering the requested books, distributing the books to interested students, and setting the book chat dates. Students and sponsors have an opportunity to enjoy breakfast or lunch and have meaningful conversations about the featured book. Chats are advertised via AM/PM announcements, as well as on the constant video feed, which all students have access to during the school day. Any student interested in reading and participating in the book chat for the month must stop by Mrs. Lozin’s office during their lunch to sign up. The book becomes the property of each student and they are encouraged to make notes in the books about topics they wish to discuss during the book chat.

Principal Rosemary Chambers kicked off the school year by selecting and reading, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey. Students discussed the quotes in the book, as well as real-life applicability of the “7 habits” to their lives in order to become successful teens. Last month’s featured book was August Wilson’s, Jitney. John Battle, Drama teacher at Hallandale High, was the facilitator for the discussion. At this book chat, students enjoyed breakfast as they discussed the various themes recurring in the play. Chargers Read Café has become increasing popular among the students, with members sharing books with friends and family, alike. Students enjoy having choice and access. They also enjoy the conversations of learning as opposed to book reports and tests. Many of the regular book club members have begun their own personal libraries with the books they have received through Chargers Read Café. Students have already begun reading and are looking forward to the next book chat for, Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff, by Richard Carlson, Ph.D. This was a selection by Leta Key, bookkeeper at Hallandale High.