The entire Windward community came together this Fall for the Big Windward Read, the annual all-school event that invites students, faculty, and staff to read the same book and gather for an afternoon of shared learning and discussion. This year’s selection, Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, inspired a wide range of conversations and creative activities centered around the power of ideas, the pursuit of knowledge, and the importance of understanding differing perspectives.
The afternoon began with an all-school assembly before students joined breakout sessions of their choice, each designed to explore themes from the book in innovative ways. From music censorship in Stalinist Russia to turning book pages into art, students and faculty examined ideas of censorship, expression, and discovery through both discussion and hands-on projects. Other sessions included a mock trial, an escape room, a playmaking workshop, and the creation of a Little Free Library.
“Bradbury was asking a lot of important questions that still resonate today,” shared English Teacher Dawn Robinson. “What is the purpose of reading and pursuing knowledge? How do we as a society handle disagreement? How can we discern between endeavors that will ultimately bring us fulfillment and those which are distractions?”
This year’s Big Windward Read also saw a significant increase in student leadership and collaboration, with students facilitating Harkness discussions, leading creative writing and trivia sessions, and showcasing original work in film and game design.
“I hope students and faculty walk away with the idea that reading books and sharing your experiences with a community can enrich our lives in a variety of meaningful ways,” reflects Jake Williamson, English Department Chair.