Lewis-Palmer Middle School welcomed back one of its own, Lindsay Lackey, for a special event October 23 and 24, tied to the school’s annual All School Reads (ASR) program. A proud Colorado native and graduate of both LPMS and LPHS, Lackey is the author of two acclaimed novels, All the Impossible Things and Farther Than the Moon.
This year’s ASR program took on a space-themed focus, with Farther Than the Moon selected as one of the featured books. “The All School Reads Program is designed to help develop a sense of community at Lewis-Palmer Middle School. While traditionally all students read the same novel, this year teachers selected one of six books centered around the theme of space.” said Andrea Weidman, Teacher-librarian. By offering multiple titles, the school embraced an element of choice to foster student engagement and build a common language around novels.
Weidman highlighted several key activities that accompanied this year’s reading program. “We hosted a virtual visit with an astronaut, took 120 students to the planetarium at the United States Air Force Academy, and held small-group creative writing workshops with Lindsay Lackey,” she said. These events, along with the ASR assemblies, provided students with unique learning experiences and opportunities to connect literature with real-world subjects.
The program also aligns with LPMS’s focus on Patriot PRIDE—an acronym that emphasizes Persistence, Respect, Initiative, Dependability and Empathy. Teachers have guided students through lessons linking their ASR book to one of these character traits. Students have watched video interviews with professionals in space-related careers, including a mechanics engineer from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and General Whiting, Commander of the United States Space Force.
The ASR program has evolved since its inception three years ago. “We’ve learned to embrace choice in novels, bring in engaging speakers with relevant messages for middle schoolers, and provide extension activities during the reading process,” she explained. The program has become an integral part of building a culture of literacy at LPMS, promoting reading skills while encouraging students to explore new ideas.
Lackey’s visit and the diverse programming offered through ASR reflect the school’s commitment to creating meaningful connections between literature, character education, and the broader world. For LPMS students, learning from an accomplished author who once walked the same hallways made the experience more inspiring.
“Lindsay’s story is a great example of what persistence and following your passion can achieve,” Weidman said. With events like these, LPMS continues to nurture a love for reading while strengthening the bonds of its learning community.