Messages from the NFRC Co-Presidents,
Ashlee Campbell & Heidi Clarke
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Co-Presidents’ Messages
Thinking Beyond Reading & Writing Pedagogy When It Comes to Literacy Instruction
By Ashlee Campbell
Welcome to a brand new school year! The start of the school year has always been my favorite, not only because I love the common fall themes of apples, pumpkins, and cooler weather, but because the beginning of school, really the beginning of anything, is fueled by great hope. As educators, we have great hopes for our students’ academic development. We know how much they can achieve and we strive every day to ensure they succeed.
Last year was a difficult year, to say the least, for most educators, administrators, parents, and students. Not surprisingly, the vast changes over the past 18 months or so have led to a greater need to focus on social-emotional learning (SEL). We know that social and emotional health supports academic success. With this in mind, NFRC chose to focus our fall programming on SEL. First, throughout October, a school psychologist with over 20 years of experience will provide virtual and in-person sessions to help us learn hands-on, classroom approaches for addressing SEL at the elementary, middle, and high-school levels. Secondly, in late October, we will discuss high-quality SEL literature that can be used to initiate important classroom discussions and activities.
This fall, we invite you to join us as we think beyond typical reading and writing pedagogy and we explore how to use activities and literature to encourage our students’ social-emotional development as a way to support their academic development.
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Welcome to a New Year
by Heidi Clarke
On September 25, 2021 I attended the virtual meeting of the New York State Reading Association (NYSRA) Assembly of Delegates. During this meeting, representatives from across the state reported on the various events that local councils have planned for the coming academic year. What an amazing lineup of speakers and professional development opportunities! As a member of the Niagara Frontier Reading Council, you are a member of NYSRA. Most of the events hosted by local councils are open to all members of NYSRA as well. Some councils are planning in-person events again, but many are virtual, so the opportunity to connect with experts and like-minded colleagues are numerous! These events will be posted on the NYSRA website, nysreading.org. The website also has details about this year’s NYSRA Conference. Even though it is all remote, it is sure to be a wonderful experience! The keynote speakers are Dr. Sonja Cherry-Paul, Pam Allyn, and Penny Kittle. I hope to “see” you there!
Also, at the meeting of the Assembly of Delegates, the annual NYSRA awards were presented. I would like to congratulate long-time NFRC board member Jack Agugliaro on receiving the Council Service Award! Jack is a self-proclaimed “worker bee”, and he holds several important roles in our organization and helps to keep the business of the council running smoothly. He holds the office of Secretary, skillfully taking notes and minutes for our meetings and completes the necessary correspondence. He is also the editor of this newsletter. His creativity, editorial skills, and dedication to our council’s mission is evident in the articles, editorials, and reviews that he contributes to the newsletter. Jack is also active in our Professional Book Discussion Group, and serves as a leader and facilitator during these meetings. Jack is respected by his colleagues for his reliability, dedication, and professionalism. His service to the NFRC is greatly valued. Congratulations, Jack!
Finally, I want to thank you who are reading this for continuing your membership in the NFRC. It is my pleasure to serve as Co-President with Dr. Ashlee Campbell this year, and I hope to meet you either in person or virtually at an NFRC or NYSRA event!
Best regards, Heidi
Thinking Beyond Reading & Writing Pedagogy When It Comes to Literacy Instruction
By Ashlee Campbell
Welcome to a brand new school year! The start of the school year has always been my favorite, not only because I love the common fall themes of apples, pumpkins, and cooler weather, but because the beginning of school, really the beginning of anything, is fueled by great hope. As educators, we have great hopes for our students’ academic development. We know how much they can achieve and we strive every day to ensure they succeed.
Last year was a difficult year, to say the least, for most educators, administrators, parents, and students. Not surprisingly, the vast changes over the past 18 months or so have led to a greater need to focus on social-emotional learning (SEL). We know that social and emotional health supports academic success. With this in mind, NFRC chose to focus our fall programming on SEL. First, throughout October, a school psychologist with over 20 years of experience will provide virtual and in-person sessions to help us learn hands-on, classroom approaches for addressing SEL at the elementary, middle, and high-school levels. Secondly, in late October, we will discuss high-quality SEL literature that can be used to initiate important classroom discussions and activities.
This fall, we invite you to join us as we think beyond typical reading and writing pedagogy and we explore how to use activities and literature to encourage our students’ social-emotional development as a way to support their academic development.
****************************************************************************************************************************************
Welcome to a New Year
by Heidi Clarke
On September 25, 2021 I attended the virtual meeting of the New York State Reading Association (NYSRA) Assembly of Delegates. During this meeting, representatives from across the state reported on the various events that local councils have planned for the coming academic year. What an amazing lineup of speakers and professional development opportunities! As a member of the Niagara Frontier Reading Council, you are a member of NYSRA. Most of the events hosted by local councils are open to all members of NYSRA as well. Some councils are planning in-person events again, but many are virtual, so the opportunity to connect with experts and like-minded colleagues are numerous! These events will be posted on the NYSRA website, nysreading.org. The website also has details about this year’s NYSRA Conference. Even though it is all remote, it is sure to be a wonderful experience! The keynote speakers are Dr. Sonja Cherry-Paul, Pam Allyn, and Penny Kittle. I hope to “see” you there!
Also, at the meeting of the Assembly of Delegates, the annual NYSRA awards were presented. I would like to congratulate long-time NFRC board member Jack Agugliaro on receiving the Council Service Award! Jack is a self-proclaimed “worker bee”, and he holds several important roles in our organization and helps to keep the business of the council running smoothly. He holds the office of Secretary, skillfully taking notes and minutes for our meetings and completes the necessary correspondence. He is also the editor of this newsletter. His creativity, editorial skills, and dedication to our council’s mission is evident in the articles, editorials, and reviews that he contributes to the newsletter. Jack is also active in our Professional Book Discussion Group, and serves as a leader and facilitator during these meetings. Jack is respected by his colleagues for his reliability, dedication, and professionalism. His service to the NFRC is greatly valued. Congratulations, Jack!
Finally, I want to thank you who are reading this for continuing your membership in the NFRC. It is my pleasure to serve as Co-President with Dr. Ashlee Campbell this year, and I hope to meet you either in person or virtually at an NFRC or NYSRA event!
Best regards, Heidi