The Quill
Serving
Gloucester,
President’s Message
March - April 2010
Dear
Colleagues,
Warm sunny days are beginning, so why not take your students outside and read a book aloud to them? A new setting may be just the medicine we all need to perk up our curriculum at this point in the school year! Who wouldn’t enjoy a good read aloud out in the warm sunshine? Try it!
Sherry
Edbauer
NNRC
President
2009-2010 NNRC Board
Sherry Edbauer – President
Beth Guthrie - Vice President
Kelly Cartwright – Secretary
Cathy Huemer – Treasurer
Pam Gaspard
- York County Membership Chair
Carmen Ellis - Newport News Membership Chair
Beverly Becker –
Historian
Marilyn Schempf - Legislative
Liaison
Spring 2010
Marilyn Schempf
The Virginia legislative session ended March 13, 2010. The way
lottery money can be used in education has been expanded.
Senator John Miller introduced a resolution, and it was passed by both
houses, for a study of reading proficiency among third graders in the
state. Nationally, the information in the IRA Summary is most
helpful in explaining Congress’s Blueprint for Reform. To see the
entire summary, go to Reading.org/General/Legislative.aspx.
Portions of it here are included here.
“On Monday March 15, 2010 the Obama administration sent to Congress its
blueprint for a new Elementary and Secondary Education Act to replace
No Child Left Behind. The plan, according to the administration,
recognizes that while the federal government can play a leading role in
encouraging reforms and high standards, the change will come from
states, local schools, and school districts.
The House Education and Labor Committee” were to begin “reviewing the
blueprint on March 17, 2010.
Focus: (1) Improving teacher and principal effectiveness to ensure that
every classroom has a great teacher and every school has a great
leader; (2) Providing information to families to help them evaluate and
improve their children's schools, and to educators to help them improve
their students' learning; (3) Implementing college- and career-ready
standards and developing improved assessments aligned with those
standards; and (4) Improving student learning and achievement in
America's lowest-performing schools by providing intensive support and
effective interventions.”
Recipients in the “Race to the Top” grants were selected for this
year. Although we did not receive a grant this time, Virginia can
apply again for next year. The requirements are for states and school
districts to develop and implement comprehensive plans outlined in the
blueprint.
Funds may be “spent flexibly, but states must award at least 50 percent
of their grant funds to school districts that participate in the state
plan. Grantees (are) to meet specific annual performance targets
and to improve measurable outcomes for students and schools, and will
receive continuation funding only if they implement their proposed
plans effectively and meet their performance targets. (It)
Requires rigorous evaluation of performance/reform efforts.”
International Project
This non-profit organization was begun by Greg Mortenson, author of Three Cups of Tea, to promote education and literacy, especially for girls in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Each $1 provides a month for one child’s education or a day of a teacher’s salary. A penny will provide a pencil for a child.
Participating in an international project is one of the International Reading Association’s requirements to receive Honor Council status. Last year our council made a donation to the Central Asia Institute from the general fund. This year the Board thought some of our members would like to participate by personally contributing to the project. Therefore, at each of the meetings, we’ll provide a jar for your donations. Bring your pennies, dimes and dollars to help build peace through education.
Annual Writing Contest
Grades K-8
Theme: The 2010 Winter Olympics
Fiction: Invent a new Olympic sport and tell about it.
Nonfiction: Describe an Olympic sport.
This year the Annual Young Writers Award Reception was held at the Tabb
Library on Tuesday, March 23. The welcome and opening remarks were
given by Sherry Edbauer, president of NNRC. Awards were
distributed by Robin Jordan, chairperson for the Young Writers Award
Committee. The following students were the winners:
Grades 2-3
Grades 4-5
Fiction:
Fiction:
Ty Earley
Ajitha Balasubramanian
Lanie Lissner
Non-fiction:
Non-fiction:
Brynn Jackson
Jimmy Qing
Author Sue Corbett spoke to the aspiring young authors about writing
and wished them luck in their future endeavors. Each winner was
presented with a bond copy of all winners’ works a certificate and a
book signed by the visiting author.
Closing Remarks were made by Sherry Edbauer, followed by a cake and
punch reception.
Reading Teacher of the Year 2008-09
Kathy Bohince is a extremely intelligent and dedicated teacher with
over 18 years of experience in the education field. Over the
course of her career, Kathy has taught youngsters in public and private
schools but it is her years as a Reading Specialist that have made an
imprint on the lives of children and fellow
educators.
Kathy Bohince is truly dedicated to the welfare of all students and is
committed to providing quality, developmentally appropriate reading
experiences for them. Kathy has always worked hard to ensure a
bright future for youngsters and takes responsibility for guiding them
to be good readers and writers.
Throughout her teaching career she has never lost the desire to watch
students grasp new ideas, excel in literacy, and develop an excitement
for reading. Always a learner, Kathy continues to strive to
understand how to motivate children and give them the tools they need
to achieve. Kathy works well with children of all backgrounds and
abilities and provides safety nets for those who need the most
instruction.
Kathy has an exceptional work ethic that has not gone unnoticed.
She is a deserving recipient of the highest symbol of professional
teaching excellence – National Board Certification. Her work to
improve the teaching skills of educators is also impressive.
Kathy’s professional development resume is extensive and includes
local, state, and national presentations at conferences including the
Virginia State School Board Conference and the National Education Trust
Conference.
Through the years, Kathy has guided classroom teachers,
interventionists, administrators, colleagues, paraprofessionals, and
parents to improve their knowledge of reading instruction. She
has chaired various school and division wide reading committees, served
on central office panels, and was a member of the Newport News Public
Schools 21st Century Technology Team, Kathy has been instrumental
in organizing Carver’s annual Reading Month activities each
November. She serves as a mentor for new teachers and provides
extra assistance for those teachers who need individual
attention. Helping with lesson plans, observing and
conferencing with teachers, conducting Walk Through, participating in
grade level meetings, modeling Best Practices, mentoring teachers and
students, disaggregating data, monitoring the reading program, and
conducting research are everyday activities for Kathy. Her work
goes beyond the school day! 5 years ago she helped organize
Carver’s extended day instructional program and has even taught one of
the 5th grade groups for the past 4 years. Kathy’s manual on
Extended Day practices has been utilized throughout the division at all
Title I schools.
Kathy has been a member of the Newport News Reading Council for many
years and is an enthusiastic advocate for staff participation in this
organization. She has served as an adjunct professor for
Christopher Newport University and works closely with students aspiring
to be teachers. Kathy devotes extra time and effort in this area
because of her belief that future teachers need to understand and
practice appropriate reading strategies with children. Many
college interns and student teachers have benefited from Kathy’s
expertise.
2007, Stenhouse
Along with the new, more active focus, Harvey and Goudvis (2007) also emphasize that although comprehension strategies are important, they are a MEANS TO AN END, and that end is meaningful reading (not just knowing how to use strategies).
Consistent with sound research on reading comprehension strategies instruction, they share that we should teach our young readers to use strategies flexibly, seamlessly, and independently. While actively comprehending, GOOD READERS USE MULTIPLE STRATEGIES, which overlap and are woven together in service of constructing meaning from text. Because good readers use multiple strategies – often seamlessly – Harvey and Goudvis share that we should quickly move children in the direction of building and using a repertoire of multiple strategies, rather than teaching and using strategies in isolation.
Finally, because our students must comprehend texts in all subjects (e.g., math, science, social studies, etc.) and not just in the language arts block), these authors have added a section on teaching COMPREHENSION ACROSS THE CURRICULUM.
Kelly B. Cartwright, Ph.D.
by Joan Hiatt Harlow
This captivating story takes place in the early 1900s and is based on actual events set in real places. It lends itself well to creating mental images and making inferences and hooks readers with its fast pace and vivid details. Students identify with Maggie as she struggles to do what’s right despite the bullying of a powerful family; and cheer brave Sirius as he time and again saves the day. Star in the Storm is a dog story your students will love and you should definitely add it to your collection.
Kathy Bohince
President
Sherry Edbauer has been teaching for 33 years. She has taught
kindergarten, first, and second grades in New York. For the last
eight years she has been a Reading Specialist at Bethel Manor
Elementary School in York County. She has a B.S. in Education and a
M.S. Ed. in Reading from Buffalo State University College. Sherry
is also an Adjunct Instructor at Old Dominion University. She has been
a member of the Virginia State Reading Association, The Newport News
Reading Council and the International Reading Association for eight
years.
President Elect
Vacant
Vice President
Elizabeth Guthrie is a teacher at Newsome Park Elementary in Newport
News. Beth has a PK-6 endorsement and is currently enjoying her
fourth year teaching kindergarten. Beth holds an Associate’s
degree in Social Science from Tidewater Community College and has
earned a B.A. in Psychology in 2001 and her Masters degree in Teaching
in May 2006 from Christopher Newport University. Beth has been an
active member of the IRA and the NNRC for four years. She served
as the president of the CNU chapter of NSTA in 2004-05. Beth
served as the vice president and historian for the SVEA in 2005 while
pursing her degree at CNU. She looks forward to serving as the
Vice President for NNRC.
Recording Secretary
Monica Smith-McMillan is the Reading Specialist at Deer Park Elementary
School in Newport News Public Schools. This is her first year as
a Reading Specialist but she was a Literacy Coach for two years prior
to this position. Monica has been in education for 14 years; and
has taught Kindergarten through 7th grade. She teaches GED
classes in the Newport News Adult Education program and has also taught
GED courses in Washington, DC.
Treasurer
Cathy Huemer is a NNPS Reading Specialist. She has been a
classroom teacher for 17 years and a Reading First Coach for 5 years.
Her credentials are as follows: BA in Elementary Education from Roanoke
College, MA in Curriculum and Instruction from George Washington
University, and Reading Specialist Endorsement from Regent
University. She is a Past NNRC President and Vice President as
well as an Adjunct Professor for the College of William and Mary.
She is a member of the following organizations: NNRC, VSRA, IRA, and
ASCD.
Membership Co- Chairperson
Pam Gaspard has taught for 15 years (6 years total in Kindergarten, 7
years in first grade and two years in fourth grade). She taught in
Texas for the first 7 years and since coming to Virginia in 2002, she
has taught kindergarten and first grade at Bethel Manor Elementary
(BMES) in York County. She has been a member of NNRC for the past few
years, while taking graduate classes at the College of William and
Mary. She completed her Masters in Reading last June. She also has been
Building Level Leader for the York Education Association for six years
and on the Executive Committee for two years. Lastly, she has served as
Lead Mentor for BMES for the past five years and has been an active
member of the Reading Activities Committee and Social Committee.
Membership Co-Chairperson
Carmen Ellis is currently the Reading Specialist at R.O. Nelson
Elementary School in Newport News. She received her Bachelor of Science
degree from Longwood University in 2004 and graduated from Old Dominion
University in 2009 with her Master’s of Education in Reading. Within
the last six years Carmen has taught Kindergarten, First grade and been
an interventionist. She also works as an adjunct professor for Thomas
Nelson Community College two nights a week teaching a developmental
reading course. Carmen has also been a member of the Newport News
Reading Council, Virginia State Reading Association and the
International Reading Association for the past six years.
Historian
Beverly Becker is currently the reading specialist for General Stanford
Elementary in Newport News. Her passion is inspiring children and
teachers to fall in love with reading. She has a MA in reading from Old
Dominion University and a BA from Christopher Newport University. She
has served as the historian for the 09-10 membership year and is
looking forward to continuing in the position next year. She is a
member of both the NNRC, VSRA, and IRA.
The NNRC Reading Teacher of the Year Award recognizes a reading teacher
whose commitment to literacy is exemplary and unparalleled. The
candidate must have been a member of the NNRC for at least a year and
must teach reading a minimum of one-third of each school day to
students in grades K-12. If you know of such an outstanding
professional, please send your nomination to Sherry Edbauer .
Nominations are due by April 23. Our nominee will be recognized
at the 2011 VSRA conference in Roanoke.
The NNRC Para Professional of the Year recognizes a para professional
whose commitment to literacy is exemplary and unparalleled. If
you know of such an outstanding para professional, please send your
nomination to Sherry Edbauer.
Nominations are due by April 23. Our nominee will be recognized
at the 2011 VSRA conference in Roanoke.
If you have a very special volunteer working in your school, please
consider nominating this person for the NNRC Volunteer of the Year
Award. Email the name of your volunteer, the school(s) where this
person volunteers, and a paragraph describing why this person should be
our Volunteer of the Year to Sherry
Edbauer . Please include your name and phone number.
This award was established in 1994 to recognize administrators who show
exceptional support of reading. The nominee is a strong advocate
for reading and teachers and children, has a vision for a school or
school system, makes decisions based on a belief system, is creative in
finding resources to support reading programs and is a strong supporter
of reading and/or VSRA or other reading-oriented organizations or
groups. The candidate must have been a member of NNRC for at
least one year and have been an administrator for at least three years.
If you would like to nominate someone for this award, please email or
send the following information to Sherry Edbauer ( BMES 1797 First Ave.
LAFB, VA 23665):
