“THOSE HAVING TORCHES WILL PASS THEM ON TO OTHERS.” Plato

“First of all, in the context of education, this implies that teachers have the Torch
of Literacy – that they have the knowledge and understanding of the meaning of literacy. Secondly, Plato implies that those who have the Torch will also have the desire and the will to pass it on. Enthusiastic, caring teachers pass this Torch to their students everyday.” Dr. Jo M. Stanchfield – Founder, American  Literacy Corporation

Do you know any outstanding teachers or support staff members who are making a difference in the lives of their students?  The American Literacy Corporation would like your help in identifying California teachers or certified reading support staff members in grades kindergarten through eighth grades who are quietly improving the reading skills of their students.  Since 1992, 172 teachers have been awarded this prestigious award.

Nominate that special person that you know that promotes literacy through enthusiasm and excellence in education!  Applications are due July 15, 2013.

Winning teachers or support staff members will receive:

  • A cash award of $2,ooo plus a $500 stipend to the winner’s school for an author visit, library books, parent reading workshop or other reading related activity.
  • A commemorative “Outstanding Contributions to Literacy Award” plaque
  • 25 books for the winning teacher’s classroom library
  • Recognition at a  reception in the fall (location to be announced)

For an application form call 760-799-9411, or email phirschman@dc.rr.com

or visit the website at www.amerlitcorp.org

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CYRM News!

Here are the results of the statewide CYRM balloting for last year’s nominees, 2011-2012!

Primary winner— I Need My Monster, by Amanda Noll

Intermediate winner—Violet Raines Almost Got Struck by Lightning, by Danette Haworth

Middle School/Junior High winner—Every Soul a Star, by Wendy Mass

Young Adult winner—Graceling, by Kristen Cashore

Picture Books for Older Readers winner—Henry’s Freedom Box, by Ellen Levine

And here are the schools which won the OCRA drawings by sending a copy of their ballot to the OCRA contest! Each school library received a set of the books nominated for this year’s contest. Plan to be a part of this program next year!

Picture books—Gilbert School, Buena Park SD

Intermediate grades—Fanning School, Brea Olinda USD

Picture Books for Older Readers—Aliso Viejo Christian School, Capo USD

There were no ballots submitted to the contest for Middle School/Junior High or Young Adult category.

Joan Macon

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Win Books for Your School!

image of The California Young Reader Medal
 

 

 

 

 

OCRA sponsors a contest in connection with the California Young Reader Medal program. In the program, specific books are read and the favorites are voted for. To learn about the program, go to http://californiayoungreadermedal.org/. It will explain how the program works, have lists of the current nominees, and copies of the ballot.

To participate in the OCRA contest, begin by planning to read the books in your grade level to your students. You can get the books at the local public library if your school library does not have them or if you are not able to get copies from donations or other sources.

After you have voted for your choices, send a copy of your ballot to:

Joan Macon, OCRA drawing
1581 West Pacific Place
Anaheim, CA 92802

After the April 1, 2012 deadline, a drawing will be held by OCRA and the winning ballot copy will receive a FREE set of books for the next year’s contest.

The CYRM program was established to offer students a chance to read (or hear read to them) good contemporary children’s fiction. Why not give the program a try and maybe win some books at the same time?

Joan Macon

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