VSRA News - Virginia State Reading Association

VSRA News
Virginia State Reading Association
Winter 2016
Dates to
Board of Directors 2015-2016
Remember
President
January 4
Honor Council applications are due to
the International Literacy Association
at [email protected]
January 15
Teacher research grant applications
are due to Katie Hilden at
[email protected] and Michelle
Picard at [email protected]
Information on proposal format
Tiffany Brocious
President-Elect, 2016 Conference Chair
Chynita Turner-Pryor
Vice President
Charles Richards
Past President
Kim Lancaster
Treasurer
Diane Tsioutsias
Recording Secretary
Connie Herman
Corresponding Secretary Stephanie Fidler
State Coordinator
Judith A. Dierker
Membership Development Anne Perdue
February 1
Julie Gray
VSRA Twitter Chat: Virginia Readers’
Choice Selections, 4-6 PM
March 2
Board of Directors Meeting, Norfolk
March 3-5
Annual Conference in Norfolk, Virginia
Conference Registration
Scan the QR code to
access conference
registration information
March 5
Leadership Meeting
or click on the link below
Registra on Informa on
but ct or A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT
Happy New Year, VSRA!
We had such a busy Fall 2015! Many local councils offered awesome confer-­‐
ences for their members! Some councils held workshops and provided communi-­‐
ty service to their local communi es. All councils worked hard to spread the word about the good work they do and, as a re-­‐
sult, our VSRA membership has remained strong! Our Leadership Team spent the fall months revisi ng policies and upda ng charges for each of the Leadership Team posi ons. Our VSRA Board of Directors worked closely with groups of Commi ee Chairs to brain-­‐
storm ideas for a suc-­‐
cessful year. TIFFANY BROCIOUS
VSRA
PRESIDENT
As we move into the new year, you may want to consider also becoming a member of the Interna onal Literacy Associa on (ILA). Please find membership informa on about ILA within this newsle er and you may visit h p://www.literacyworldwide.org/. Your membership with your lo-­‐
cal council and VSRA is separate from your ILA membership.
Continued next page
but ct or President’s Message, Continued
In November, we had a wonderful Statewide Ini a ve Leadership Mee ng where Chuck English, Director of Playful Learning and the Sci-­‐
ence Museum of Vir-­‐
ginia, Dr. Ka e Hilden from Radford Universi-­‐
ty, Meredith Jones from Lakeshore Learn-­‐
ing Materials, and Becky McKenzie and Maureen Jenson, CoPresidents of Second-­‐
ary Reading Coun-­‐
cil, provided out-­‐
standing profes-­‐
sional develop-­‐
ment on our new statewide ini a-­‐
ve, Got IT? Dur-­‐
ing our mee ng, we collaborated in groups by quadrants compiling lists of nonfic on resources we have across Vir-­‐
ginia. That list will be available online in the coming weeks. Our next big ac vity will be our 2016 Annual Conference in Norfolk, Virginia on March 3-5, 2016. Chynita TurnerPryor, our 2016 Conference Chair, has planned exci ng events and booked fabulous speakers. Please see more in-­‐
forma on about this exci ng event in this newsle er and on our website, www.vsra.org
We look forward to a produc ve 2016 together!
Sincerely,
Dr. Tiffany Brocious, NBCT
2015-16 Virginia State
Reading Association
Meet ORGANIZATION MANAGEMENT GROUP
When we were asked to provide
management services to VSRA, we were
very excited about the prospect of working with an association dedicated to promoting literacy as many of
our staff have family members who are educators –
not to mention that most
of us are avid readers!
Organization Management Group is an association management
company who provides a
wide range of services to
associations, including
conferences, membership
recruitment and retention,
member relations, communications and
graphics, financial management, and
government affairs. OMG is one of only 11
association management companies in
the world to hold the prestigious Charter
Accreditation through the AMC Institute.
With OMG, associations have access to 40
staff members with deep expertise in every
important area of association management.
For VSRA, OMG is providing conference services for the upcoming 2016 Annual Conference, as well as providing
website maintenance and developing a
new logo and identity
package. Since September, OMG’s team has
been collaborating with
VSRA in planning, communications, logistics, and
marketing for the conference. The conference services we provide enables
VSRA leaders to focus on
their mission and their strategy. VSRA sets the direction, and we get them
where they say they want
to go.
Aside from the love of reading,
OMG’s team has extensive expertise in all
areas of conference planning. We are
proud to help VSRA accomplish the ultimate mission of leading in the advancement of literacy in Virginia. We are excited
to partner with VSRA in creating a successful conference in Norfolk!
For more information on OMG go to
their website at
www.ManageGroup.com
or call 757-473-8701
Scan or click the QR code to see
OMG’s VSRA conference video!
You don’t have to travel outside of Virginia to experience face-to
-face literacy education sessions that will address all audience
levels from Preschool to Adult Learners. Whether your goal is to
gain further knowledge on foundational skills or taking the next
step in your professional development, VSRA’s Annual
Conference will have just what you need!
So join us and dive right in as we explore the depths of learning!
Unlock the
Treasures at the
49th Annual
VSRA Conference
This year’s conference will feature over 150 of
today’s most important and engaging authors,
educators, poets, and speakers.
Pre-Conference Literacy Institute
Featured Speakers
Such a treasure trove of activities at VSRA’s Annual Conference! At a VSRA
conference, you don’t just sit, you will be engaged in hands-on activities at
the DIY Lab; you will cheer on your peers at the Awards Ceremony; you will
partake of sweets while participating in the workshop during Afternoon Delights; you will obtain useful knowledge about the latest products and services at the Exhibitor Reception that will directly enhance your day-to-day
teaching; you will network with the newest members as well as the VSRA
leaders; and you will sing at the Lyrics, Literacy, and Loungewear –Oh MY!
Bring a colleague and talk to your administrator about the benefits of the
conference! Dive right in and register today!
Conference Registration
VIRGINIA READERS’ CHOICE
Current Nonfiction
VIRGINIA READERS’ CHOICE
COMMITTEE
Selections
The Virginia Readers’
Choice Committee met
in October at Piedmont
Virginia Community College to choose the
books for next year’s
lists.
The Boy on the Wooden Box
By Leon Leyson
Leon Leyson, "An unlikely survivor of the Holocaust", recounts his Jewish childhood in this powerful mem-­
oir. One of the youngest members on Schindler's List, Leyson passes on his will to live and his tale of survival while imprisoned in the ghetto and concentration camps by the Germans in World War II.
VRC INFORMATION
The President Has Been Shot
By James L. Swanson
A narrative nonfiction thriller, The President Has Been Shot is the sus-­
penseful account of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination. It depicts the days leading up to the assassina-­
tion with the premeditated actions of Lee Harvey Oswald, as well as a dra-­
matic description of the assassination and the hours afterward.
Scan or click the QR code for more information
about Virginia Reader’s Choice, including:
Purpose and history
Eligibility and voting
How to apply to be a
VRC Committee
member
These are statements for the candidates of the 2016 Board of
Directors
teachers, but these future leaders and teachers also share valuable insight with me. Students are con nuously providing feedback about As the VSRA webmaster, I have focused on increasing the capabili es instruc onal prac ces that meet their needs. This is vital informa on of the VSRA website as a tool for educators. If chosen for the member
for an organiza on such as VSRA; we need these teachers to become -at-large posi on on the board of directors, I could help facilitate interested in this organiza on, threfore, we need to meet their VSRA’s growing use of technology through the explora on of needs.
opportuni es that encourage the use of technology to support VSRA’s goals. For example, a tool such as Periscope would allow us to Technology has always been an interest or “pet” for me; staying connected and up-to-date is always important in the educa onal share live broadcasts of state and local council events. In addi on, I field. I have taken classes involving technology in the classroom and would like to help support and develop the use of webinars to con nue to search for new and exci ng techniques to keep my provide addi onal opportuni es for professional development students engaged. I would take pleasure in working with VSRA to throughout the year. The webinars could be housed on the VSRA website for member access. I would also like to explore opportuni es ensure that we con nue to stay on the “cu ng-edge” of educa on.
Jennifer Floyd: At-Large Board Member Candidate
to use Skype with both professional and children’s authors throughout the year. Furthermore, I would like to help VSRA ac vely promo ng a variety of professional development opportuni es via technology throughout the year. Twi er chats, Facebook groups, Padlet, and todaysmeet.com are just a few of the tools that I would like for us to u lize.
Stephanie Fidler: At-Large Board Member Candidate
If elected, I will support the mission of the Board of Directors to lead the advancement of literacy across the state of Virginia. I will a end board mee ngs and leadership mee ngs as an ac ve par cipant to help lead the organiza on in crea ng and maintaining partnerships to further share exemplary literacy prac ces. I will also support the mission of the local councils in spreading the word about literacy in their districts. I will help facilitate opportuni es that will empower educators, encourage leaders, and inspire students. My experience as Secretary of the Loudoun County Fair Commi ee, President of the Greater Washington Reading Council, and Corresponding Secretary of the Virginia State Reading Associa on has prepared me as a community leader that will work together to fulfill the goals and mission of this non-profit organiza on. Through the course of my teaching career, I have worked with students covering a wide-range of ages and represen ng many varying socioeconomic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds. Each piece of my journey has provided me with more understanding, awareness, and wisdom. Looking forward, I am anxious to share all that I have learned; however, I am more eager to con nue learning and growing.
Sherry Edbauer: At-Large Board Member Candidate
By being elected Member-At-Large, I hope to help the Board in any area they may need help in. By being President of my local council for five years, I became aware of the vast amount of literacy promo on the VSRA does in the state. I would like to be a part of this movement and work toward making it even be er! I am saddened to see how membership has dropped with the new genera on of teachers. I am hoping by being on the Board, I can help this membership drop become less. Promo ng VSRA, in all aspects, would be my contribu on!
Karen Queen: Treasurer Candidate
If elected as the VSRA Treasurer, it would be my honor to perform the du es and assume the responsibili es of the posi on as defined Leigh Leslie: At-Large Board Member Candidate
by the VSRA Bylaws and VSRA Policy to the best of my ability, including having custody of the funds, deposit funds in the name of My educa onal career has provided me with many opportuni es and VSRA, approve checks wri en against funds of VSRA in accordance experiences that I am eager to share with VSRA. I have served on with the budget, and maintain an accurate record of the money Virginia Department of Educa on Item Analysis Commi ees. My received and money disbursed. I would follow the Board par cipa on in these commi ees has given me insight into commitment, a endance and ethics policies. I would serve for two standardized tes ng crea on and processes and has resulted in new years as a member of the Leadership Team and Board of Directors.
lessons and strategies in the classroom. My posi on as Adjunct Professor at Radford University allows me the opportunity to learn and grow with paraprofessionals and future teachers. This is a posi on that I truly value. Not only do I have the opportunity to share strategies and techniques with upcoming Joan Rhodes: Vice President Candidate
I have been an ac ve member of VSRA through my membership and leadership ac vi es in the Richmond Area Reading Council since 1989. I have served as a local council President, commi ee chair, and leadership team member over the past 13 years. If elected to the office of Vice President, I believe these past experiences will provide a founda on for my contribu ons to the organiza on. My love of technology and research into media and digital literacy will be used to enhance the VSRA digital footprint as well as to increase the accessibility of literacy instruc onal informa on to our members and the broader community. As a commi ed early/elementary educator, I will advocate for early interven on of reading difficul es and the con nued support of students with needs for remedial services. I plan to use my work and experiences as a director of mul ple study abroad programs, to enhance and broaden VSRA’s commitment to interna onal literacy educa on.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
The VSRA wishes you a
happy holiday season.
Thank you to the Chesapeake Reading Council
for this cheerful holiday picture.
CURRENT MEMBERSHIP COMPARISONS
Council
Apple Valley
Chesapeake
Greater Washington
Isle of Wight
Monticello
Newport News
New River Valley
Norfolk
Piedmont
Rappahannock
Richmond Area
Roanoke Valley
Secondary
Shenandoah Valley
Southwest Virginia
Suffolk
Virginia Beach
VCRE
Williamsburg Area
2012
31
647
2013
174
465
2014
142
449
2015
130
491
350
46
11
178
163
51
8
16
175
132
24
210
16
13
119
150
33
25
24
197
106
16
148
11
42
113
184
15
24
15
183
98
14
238
16
55
86
154
10
27
39
159
134
14
346
100
1
591
24
49
173
113
39
788
35
153
124
113
33
724
34
91
103
98
61
644
30
97
2012
2013
2014
2015
Totals
2943
2849
2557
2586
Unique VSRA Members
2761
2787
2439
2517
Thank you to all
VSRA members!
These numbers are
OUTSTANDING!
VSRA CONFERENCE 2016
Confirmed Speakers
Kelly Gallagher
Lester Laminak
Nell Duke
Laura Robb
Ruth Culham
Dinah Zike
Vicki Gibson
Kwame Alexander
Kathy Ganske
Twitter Chat Coming Soon!
Coming Soon! VSRA Twitter
Chat: Virginia Reader’s Choice
Selections.
Let’s talk about how you use them
with your students and which books
are emerging as favorites.
Monday, February 1, 2016
4:00-6:00 PM
News from Monticello
ILA COORDINATOR
Reading Council
POSITION
It is time to have a new ILA Coordinator. Anyone interested needs to check out the
responsibilities involved.
On October 15th, the
MRC hosted a
mini conference on vocabulary
called
"Getting to
the Root of it:
Learning
ABOUT Words." Our keynote speaker was
Marcia Invernizzi of UVA; her talk (see attached photo!) was followed by breakout
sessions on topics such as finding the
word knowledge zone for primary grades,
using word play to increase vocabulary in
writing, and building vocabulary for adolescents in content areas. We had nearly
100 teachers, administrators, and other
literacy leaders register for the conference, and we are looking forward to our
next mini conference, "A Map for the Writer's Journey: Making Assessment Matter,"
in January. The application is on the ILA website.
There is also a Coordinator's guide that details
more of the Coordinator responsibilities.
The Coordinator application and 2 letters of recommendation must be forwarded to VSRA president, Tiffany Brocious, [email protected] before Jan. 22, 2016. The VSRA Board will review the
applications and forward all of them to ILA by
March 1, 2016 for a selection before May 1, 2016.
Judy Dierker
[email protected]
Got IT?
Statewide Initiative on Informational Text
Virginia State Reading Association’s
statewide initiative focuses on supporting
educators as they integrate various types of
informational texts with
the subject areas
beginning in
kindergarten and
continuing throughout
their school years. We
seek to improve
students’ ability to
navigate and compose
informational texts by
improving their
comprehension of how
text features, graphics, and text structures
work. The statewide initiative will serve both
parents and teachers by providing resources
for parents and communities as they help
grow Virginia’s next generation of readers
who are motivated to read
a broad range of
information in an everchanging world of
information. We will
provide teachers with
professional development
support and resources
including book lists and
lesson plans (aligned with K
-5 science and social
studies SOLs) that support
the integration of nonfiction literacy and the
content areas.
SECONDARY COUNCIL
Secondary Council is steadily
Long-Range Plans:
working to spread its wings
throughout the state! Earlier this
school year we held two meetings via conference calls, and
used that time to develop ideas
about how we could begin to
strengthen our council and built
membership.
By September 2018, Secondary
Council of VSRA will be recognized in the state of Virginia as
an expert resource regarding
literacy issues for middle and
high school students.
One result of that was our first
regional meeting on Saturday,
December 5, at Roanoke College in Salem. Even though our
number was small, we had great
conversations about a number
of things, the most important being the VSRA nonfiction reading
initiative and the Virginia Reader’s Choice program.
1. Secondary will provide intellectual support by: communicating our presence and our expertise to all school districts in the
state of Virginia promoting best
practices and emerging literacy
issues on current and evolving
social media
2. Secondary will provide advo-
We also approved the proposed
vision, vision, and long-range
plans.
cacy by: having an identified
Secondary representative on all
active VSRA local councils and
the Virginia College Reading Educators Council
Vision:
b. remaining informed of state
The goal of the Secondary Reading Council of the Virginia State
Reading Organization is that all
Virginia secondary students have
the literacy skills they need to be
successful in their professional
and personal lives.
Mission:
The mission of the Secondary
Reading Council of the Virginia
State Reading Association is to
address the literacy needs of
middle and high school students
throughout the Commonwealth
by providing intellectual support,
advocacy, and literacy development opportunities to both students and professionals.
and federal education policy
issues regarding secondary literacy and communicating that information to Secondary members and others involved with
middle and high school literacy
Secondary
Council
Leadership Team
Becky McKinzie
(Co-President)
beckymckenzie128
@gmail.com
Maureen Jensen
(Co-President)
maureenjensen1@g
mail.com
Elisabeth Davidson
(Secretary)
elisabethuva@gmail
.com
Linda Greaver
(Treasurer &
Membership Chair)
[email protected]
m c. Secondary will provide literacy development opportunities
by: offering at least three
statewide meetings annually addressing secondary literacy concerns
d. offering a strand of at least
ten sessions geared toward secondary concerns at the annual
VSRA conference
e. having an identified Secondary representative on the Virginia
Reader’s Choice committee for
selecting and promoting middle
and high school books
sponsoring at least one writing
contest geared toward secondary students
WEBSITE
Visit the website of the
Virginia Council of
Secondary Reading
Teachers
Secondary Website
WEBMASTER NEWS
Helpful Hints for Informational Text in the
Classroom
Submitted by Jen Floyd
I would love to include
photographs of local council
events on the VSRA website.
Please send any photographs
(and a short caption) to
[email protected] and I will
share them on the website.
Please let me know if your
council has planned activities to
support the VSRA statewide
initiative so we can highlight that
information, as well. Again,
pictures would be great to share.
I am also working on building the
page devoted to the statewide
initiative. In particular, I would
like to start by developing a
curated list of informational texts
as a reference for educators
visiting vsra.org. If you have
suggestions for titles that should
be included, please e-mail me
the list of titles and I’ll compile
those titles into a master list. Any
information regarding levels
would be helpful, too. When this
link goes “live,” we can let you
know via social media.
Jennifer Floyd
[email protected]
You can use your computer and tablet
to support the statewide initiative for
nonfiction! Check out these applications and
websites for access to a variety of materials to
enhance your use of nonfiction in the
classroom! These resources can be used across
multiple levels and provide one more way to
get nonfiction texts into students’ hands!
The Epic app offers a
wide variety of books,
including informational
texts, that can enhance
the use of nonfiction in
the classroom. In
addition, the Epic library
is also available online (www.getepic.com)
and access is free of charge for educators!
The Smithsonian
Tween Tribune
application is a tool that provides informational
text focused on current events. Tween Tribune
is available online as well and can be used
across multiple grade levels. Signing up for an
account is free and easy! Visit
www.tweentribune.com for more information.
Newsela.com is a
fantastic resource
that also provides
current events articles targeted for school
audiences. Articles adapted from actual news
stories explore topics related to science, law,
health, sports, and much more! Access to
Newsela.com is free to educators (although
upgrades are available) and the articles cover
multiple reading levels, making differentiation
easy!
VSRA's 49th Annual Conference
Get up close to the recipient of The National Book Award, The Poetry Foundation’s Young
People’s Poet Laureate, The Caldecott Medal, Margaret A. Edwards Award for Lifetime
Achievement, Newbery Honor Medal and Coretta Scott King Award to name a few! Join us
at the Virginia State Reading Association’s 2016 Annual Conference in March to hear Fea-­
tured Speaker:
(View bio)
What: Featured Speaker Session at the VSRA Annual Banquet
When: Friday, March 4, 2016 from 7:30 – 9:30 pm
Fee: $50 (includes dinner)
Session Title: Behind the Books
Session Description:
Jacqueline Woodson discusses her lifelong journey as a writer with humor and poise, revealing her own writing process and where she finds inspiration. As she reads passages from her
diverse body of work, this rousing interactive talk motivates Woodson’s audiences – from
students to educators to book lovers – to read, write, revise, and read some more.
(All levels)
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION NOW! (Must be received or postmarked by
1/15/16 for Early Bird rate.)
REGISTER TODAY!
LOCAL COUNCIL NEWS
Chesapeake Reading Council
The almost 500 member
strong Chesapeake Reading
Council continues to promote literacy throughout
Chesapeake. In October,
ILA Board Member Cathy
Collier emceed the CRC Family “Dive Deeper
into Literacy” Night where she read the book
Shadow of the
Shark, and
CRC members
led sharkthemed literacy centers. All
members of
the family had
fun at this
event! Then,
in December,
the CRC hosted a Book Fair at Barnes and Noble
where members kept the children engaged in
literacy activities and by reading The Polar Express every 30 minutes in the children’s section
(which gave parents the opportunity to shop for
books). Students who attended had the opportunity to win a gift card and CRC members had
the chance to win a CRC T-shirt or gift card.
Those who gave the gift of literacy were the true
winners that night!
In addition to fostering literacy in the community, the Chesapeake Reading Council focuses
on its members. In December, the CRC celebrated Reading Teachers of the Years and Building Representatives along with honoring our CityWide Reading
Teacher of
the Year, Laurie Lees, and
our nominee
for the James
D. Mullins
Leadership
Award, Mrs. Sonya Beasley, principal of Southwestern Elementary. During the CRC Reception,
RTOYs and Building Representatives contributed
to our “Idea Exchange” and members left with
tips from some of the best teachers in Chesapeake! Then, members had the opportunity to
talk with local author, Jen Milius and attend a
free seminar about brain development by Tom
Shenk of Brain Balance. Besides celebrating our
members and giving them opportunities for professional development, the CRC is committed to
ensuring members have the chance to attend
the VSRA Conference and is offering two scholarships to help off-set conference costs. In Chesapeake, it pays to be a member of the VSRA
and the Chesapeake Reading Council!
Tom Shenk from Brain Balance gave a free seminar on brain development
and local author Jan Milius talked with CRC members.
The Chesapeake Reading Council hosted an idea
exchange at
their fall conference.
LOCAL COUNCIL NEWS
New River Valley Reading Council
The New River Valley Reading Council held
a Literacy-Based Pinterest and Pizza Party
on November 19,
2015 at Riverlawn Elementary School in Pulaski County. Twentyfive members enjoyed pizza and a make-and-take workshop
focusing on word study. We had a great
evening chatting, working, eating pizza, and
even indulged in some yummy desserts! All
participants had a fun, engaging evening
and were able to walk away with lots of valu-
able activities to bring back to their classrooms. We are looking forward to the VSRA
conference in Norfolk
in March, and are
busy planning a
Spring Meeting with a
focus on non-fiction.
Roanoke Valley Reading Council
The Roanoke Valley Reading Council is again
enjoying working with the Tanglewood Mall
Barnes and Noble for a Holiday Book Drive. The
associates at Barnes and Noble Booksellers ask
patrons at checkout if they would like to donate
a book to RVRC. The RVRC uses those collected
books for various programs in our council as well
as distribute them to other agencies that support
literacy. We hope to collect 1,000 books this season. The council members wrap books for patrons at the bookstore. We also hosted a soup
luncheon for the sellers on the Saturday before
Christmas. Soups, cookies, breads and such are
set up in the employee area for the booksellers
to much on throughout the day. RVRC is so honored to work with Barnes and Noble.
shelter at the Roanoke Mission Center each
month. Members read with the children. Children complete a craft, have snack, and choose
a book or two to take with them.
Our Books for Babies program is one of the areas that benefits from our book drive. Books are
placed in the Roanoke Memorial Hospital Prenatal Care Unit for parents to read with their child
on their visits to the NICU.
A winter movie night is planned in February
and a spring Pinterest Party, too.
Open Books, Open Doors also receives books
for their program. RVRC members visit the family
Our council is also planning to begin working
with teachers of ESL and GED programs in our
area to provide books to support these adult areas of literacy.
Our Fall Pinterest Party was a fun success with
many folks making materials to use in their classrooms.
We are planning a small Winter Conference
for primary teachers January 29th to encourage
writing across the curriculum especially in the area of math.
We are busy looking ahead toward spring and
many opportunities to work to support and encourage literacy in our valley.
LOCAL COUNCIL NEWS
Virginia Beach Reading Council
Virginia Beach Reading Council is excited to
announce our Reading Teacher of the Year and
our Administrator of the Year. Both have been
amazing representatives for promoting literacy in
our school division.
Mrs. Heather Thomas,
Library Media Specialist
from Alanton Elementary
School, was selected as
the Reading Teacher of
the Year.
Cristina Alsop, Coordinator of Title One for Virginia Beach City Public
Schools, was selected as
the Administrator of the
Year for VBRC.
Saturday November 7th. Senior
Executive Director of Virginia
Beach Elementary Schools, Ms.
Shirann Lewis, opened up the
conference after a breakfast
that was prepared by culinary
students at Salem High School.
The keynote speaker, Dr. Vicki
Gibson, spoke to participants
about Differentiated Instruction.
In addition to the breakfast speaker and keynote
speaker, participants were able to learn from
teachers and specialists from around the district.
There were approximately 20 sessions for participants to choose from, with topics ranging from
integrating technology effectively into the classroom to specific strategies to promote reading.
Upcoming events
Lester Laminick -January 14th
Virginia Beach Reading Council held its annual Fall Conference at Salem Middle School on
Winter Blues Series TBD
Annual Spring Banquet - May
Joint Conference: New River Valley Reading Council and
Roanoke Valley Reading Council
The New River Valley and the Roanoke Valley Reading Councils joined together to host a spectacular Fall Conference. Professional author, Kevin Flanigan and master teacher, Beth Estill were featured key note speakers at the
event held on September 25th. Margaret Humphries and her staff hosted the
councils at the new South Salem Elementary School in honor of their longtime
friend and co-worker, Linda Rowe. Thirty six breakout sessions were offered
between the two keynote addresses. A dozen vendors were present to sell
educational and personal life enhancement merchandize. Delious refreshments were available throughout the day. Dr. Kate Hilden and her committee
provided a grand offering for the valley teachers. It was well planned, fun,
and beneficial.
VSRA's 49th Annual Conference
Dine, listen and prepare to be inspired! Join us at the Virginia State Reading Association’s
2016 Annual Conference in March to hear Featured Speaker:
(View bio)
What: Featured Speaker Session at the Literacy Lunch
When: Thursday, March 3, 2016 from 11:45am – 1:00pm
Fee: $35 (includes lunch)
Session Title: Writing as a Pursuit of Passion
Session Description:
Have you ever considered the role of passion and focus, imagination and wonder in a writing life? As the author of several articles, professional books, book reviews, monthly columns,
poetry and children's books, Lester recognizes the importance of noticing and noting, wonder and play, observing and reading and tuning in to the sensual details of the world
around us. Come explore what we can do to feed the writing lives of our students.
(Primary K-3, Upper Elementary 4-6)
Lester Laminack is ALSO presenting with Ruth Culham at the Pre-Conference Literacy Institutes on Thursday, March 3, 2016 from 9:45 am – 11:15 am Pre-Conference Literacy Institutes
REGISTER TODAY!
THE 49TH ANNUAL VSRA CONFERENCE
March 3-5, 2016 in Norfolk, Virginia
Join us for the Virginia State Reading Association’s 49th Annual Conference: Exploring the Depths of Literacy in
Norfolk—also known as Mermaid City!
Be inspired, gain knowledge, and interact with many of your favorite authors, local and national literacy professionals, and colleagues to share the latest trends, ideas and research with you.
The Exhibit Hall will feature an opportunity to meet with local and national vendors who provide products and
services that can enhance your work.
There are plenty of opportunities for socializing, networking, exploring Norfolk and having fun!
Conference Overview and Registration Information
Submissions for upcoming VSRA newsletters may be sent to Julie Allen at [email protected]