Book Club Focuses on Power of Hope

Montgomery Schools Superintendent Joshua Starr will host his first Book Club discussion of the school year on Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 7 p.m., in the auditorium of the Carver Educational Services Center, 850 Hungerford Dr. in Rockville, according to a news release.

The book club will discuss Making Hope Happen by Dr. Shane Lopez, a senior scientist with the Gallup organization. The book introduces readers to the scientific study of hope, its power, how to create it and how to teach it to others to lead happier, more successful lives.

Lopez offers several inspirational examples of real people with high-hope mindsets who changed their lives.

Parents, students and community members who wish to be a part of the studio audience for this free event are asked to RSVP to pio@mcpsmd.org.

Starr will be joined by Lopez, who will discuss the book and take questions and comments from the audience. Those watching online or on MCPS TV (Comcast Channel 34) can participate in the conversation by sending questions via Twitter (using the hashtag #mcpsbookclub) or by sending an email toask@mcpsbookclub.org.

Lopez is the chief architect of the Gallup Student Poll, taken by more than 1 million public school students—including those at MCPS—which measures hope, academic success and overall well-being on the path to determining what drives achievement.

Starr began the book club events in 2011 as a way to engage the school community, staff and students in conversations about education and the skills students need to be successful. To watch video of past book club events or for more information, visit www.mcpsbookclub.org.