Guest readers help kick off 2010 Read-A-Thon!

On Friday, BookSpring invited local dignitaries to visit Zavala and Andrews Elementary to help  kick off the 2010 Read-A-Thon. Guest readers shared some of their favorite childhood books and visited with students throughout the day.

Here is a snapshot of the readers who visited Zavala.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2c0Pz1jNqJg

Guest readers at Andrews included: Judge Olga Seelig, Sheriff Hamilton, Andrea Ball, Rep. Dawnna Dukes, Doyle Valdez and Wendell Williams from the African American Men and Boys Harvest Foundation.

Gullett First Graders Sing for BookSpring! Can Gullett Go for 5?

On Friday, Gullett Elementary held their annual BookSpring Read-A-Thon assembly.  Mrs. Robrien’s first grade class wrote and performed a special song and poem composed just for the Read-A-Thon!

 Everything that is right about our schools was on display in the Gullett cafeteria-  wonderful teachers, a supportive community of parents, books,  singing about community service and helping others.  The children at Gullett simply “get it’ and understanding that they can change  the lives of other children through books!

Please visit the link below to see pictures of Mrs.Robrien’s first grade class- read the words to their poem and watch the video.  It was just darling-

Click here to see the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTWsu7qg-vI

View Mrs. Robrien’s blog and photos: http://teachingtoucheschildrenforever.blogspot.com/2010/01/bookspring-read-thon-kick-off-assembly.html

Casis Leadership Promotes Read-A-Thon

Today I was lucky to spend time with “Casis Leadership”, a group of fifth grade students dedicated to bringing community outreach programs to their fellow classmates. Casis Leadership made posters to advertise and encourage Casis students to read and participate in the 2010 Read-A-Thon.

These kids really seem to “get it” and recognize the impact they can have on their community. One student asked, “so if we help give books to little kids we might help keep kids from dropping out of high school?” 

Exactly!

Thanks Casis!!

Jacqueline Kelly, Guest Author for the Reading Frenzy, Earns Newbery 2010 Honor Distinction

The American Library Association announced the winner and honorees of the 2010 Newbery Medal. A distinction awarded to an author for making a significant contribution to children’s literature.

Jacqueline Kelly, author of  The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate, is  a 2010 Newbery Honored Book.  Ms. Kelly will be one of two guest authors at BookSpring’s  Reading Frenzy on March 6, 2010.

BookSpring is honored to have Ms. Kelly’s help in recognizing the top readers during the 2010 BookSpring Read-A-Thon. We look forward to celebrating Ms. Kelly’s award at the Frenzy!

Read more about the Newbery Announcement:

http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/newberymedal/newberymedal.cfm

http://www.ala.org/ala/newspresscenter/news/pressreleases2010/january2010/2010newberycaldecott_pio.cfm

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6202556.The_Evolution_of_Calpurnia_Tate

http://newberryproject.blogspot.com/2010/01/2010-newbery-announced.html

Must Watch Video: O. Henry Students and Read-A-Thon!

Sara Stevenson, O. Henry librarian, has created this must watch Read-A-Thon video! 

Enjoy!

http://animoto.com/play/UV4AksD7G2BaRhh1wBTspg#toolbox 

(press HQ in the tool bar for high resolution).

In the Spring of 2009, O. Henry Read-A-Thoners visited a RIF book distribution at a local elementary school.  O. Henry students enjoyed the camping story time,  watched as the younger students selected their new RIF books and then visited and shared the gift of reading with their new friends!

In 2009, O. Henry students raised over $1800 and helped place over 800 books into the hands of children!

Thank you O. Henry!!

Can’t wait to see what happens in 2010 Read-A-Thon!

Reading Frenzy to Celebrate Read-A-Thon, Community Service and Literacy!

BookSpring’s 2010 Reading Frenzy

March 6, 2010

BookPeople 1-3 pm

Participants are invited to celebrate with BookSpring!

Special authors, McCallum Steel Drum Band,  food, music and fun!

Special guests include Marie Rutkoski, Bluebonnet author of Cabinet of Wonders

Visit BookPeople to read reviews: http://site.booksite.com/3401/showdetail/?isbn=9780374310264

and

Jacqueline Kelly, Bluebonnet author of The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate

visit BookPeople to read review http://site.booksite.com/3401/showdetail/?isbn=9780805088410

 For more information:

Donna Emery donna.emery@bookspring.org

Thanks H-E-B for Donating to BookSpring Read-A-Thon!

H-E-B has generously donated  H-E-B reusable bags for the BookSpring Read-A-Thon. 

BookSpring will used the donated bags to deliver prizes to teachers with classes participating in the Read-A-Thon!

Thanks H-E-B for your generosity and support!

2010 Read-A-Thon Pledge Envelope: Download Here!

Click and download 2010-RAT-envelope

Read, log pages and collect donations to help put books into the hands of children!

The Perfect Volunteer Opportunity: Bring your work group and friends to the Read-A-Thon!

2010 Read-A-Thon

Neighborhood of Readers

January 25-February 5, 2010

Looking for volunteer opportunities for your work group?

The Read-A-Thon is BookSpring’s biggest fundraiser of the year and is the

perfect opportunity for your group to work together.

 Through the Read-A-Thon children  experience the joy of reading and the pride of community service

by raising money to put new books into the hands of children who need them most.

 February 15– 26, 2010

Task: Groups of 4 and individuals are needed to enter data– understanding of excel spreadsheet necessary

Time: 8 am to 4 pm including school holiday. Saturday Feb. 13 and 20 are options based on  need.

Location: BookSpring offices 2006 Greenbrook Pkwy. 78723 (off of 51st near Dell Children’s)

February 17-March 5, 2010

Task: Groups and individuals are needed to assemble prizes and to deliver to schools

Time: 8 am to 4 pm during week. Time is flexible!

Location: BookSpring offices

Contact: Donna Emery donna.emery@bookspring.org

472-1791 ext. 108 or 914-2372

BookSpring Read-A-Thon Video “Without Books”

View the BookSpring 2010 Read-A-Thon Video Announcement: “Without Books”

http://bookspring.org/read_a_thon_video.php

Register for the 2010 Read-A-Thon Today!

Jan. 25-Feb. 6, 2010

Read and give the gift of reading!

www.bookspring.org

Video created by S-Collective!