4 EDCAL January 28, 2019
Families join school’s Camp Read-A-Lot for fun
Imagine a camping excursion with no
packing, cooking, or cleaning. That’s just
what C.J. Morris Elementary in Walnut
Valley USD offered families recently.
The school opened its doors for an
evening of literacy-related activities during
Camp Read-A-Lot. With pitched tents and
a roaring “paper” campfire, the decorated
multipurpose room set the stage for a cozy
night out of the rain.
More than 400 family members gathered
on blankets and munched on nachos while
listening to stories read by teachers and staff
members. The children, parents, and grand-
parents then rotated through several reading
and writing activities hosted in classrooms.
During a Scrabble-like challenge, fami-
lies competed to build three, four, and five-
letter words. At another station, students
made up silly Mad Lib camping-themed
stories by adding verbs, nouns, and adjec-
tives.
Fourth grade twins Truth and Tasen
Stovall collaborated on the writing activity
and then proudly read it aloud.
“It was a ‘fluffy’ summer day and we were
excited to go camping in ‘New York’ for the Families filled the multipurpose room for Camp Read-A-Lot story time at C.J. Morris Elementary.
very first time. We went in our ‘awesome’
Youngsters also enjoyed coloring book-
“I like to read realistic fiction - like
van listening to ‘Twinkle, Twinkle Little
marks and creating puppet pals.
Bridge to Terabithia,” said fourth grader
Star’ all the way down,” they both recited.
Wailing Walker, as she colored a bookmark.
“We’re reading it in class right now.”
“We’re having a blast tonight,” said par-
ent Bryan Tanori as son, Luca, used a glued
stick to complete his hawk sack puppet,
before proudly displaying the finished prod-
uct.
Families also brought cookies, chips,
cupcakes, and fresh fruit to share, while
Community Club members sold tacos and
hosted a book fair. A representative from
the Los Angeles County Library was on
hand to help children complete library card
applications.
“Our school community really came
together to make Camp Read-A-Lot a
success,” said Title 1 specialist Jennifer
Veneracion.
And what camping experience is com-
plete without s’mores treats? The children
used a recipe to fill baggies with tiny
marshmallows, chocolate chips, and Golden
Grahams cereal for a little extra energy and
to encourage “s’more” reading.
This article was submitted by Walnut Valley
USD.
State ACSA office candidates participating in online town hall
Candidates for state ACSA officer elec-
tions will take part in an online town hall,
scheduled for Feb. 4 at 4:00 p.m. All mem-
bers are invited to watch and submit ques-
tions for the candidates.
Charlie Hoffman, superintendent of
Shasta-Trinity ROP/Bella Vista Elementary
and current ACSA board member, will be
joined by Barbara Martinez, a principal
in Pacific Grove USD and current ACSA
board member, as well as Dennis Cole,
director of Humanities for the Orange
County Department of Education.
Hoffman is running unopposed for
ACSA Vice President. Martinez and
Cole are running for Vice President for
Legislative Action.
“The ACSA board has made a commit-
ment to our members that we will provide
equal access for all statewide candidates,”
said ACSA President Holly Edds. “This
town hall provides each candidate with a
unique opportunity to talk about their plat-
form and the future of our organization.”
All ACSA members are encouraged to
watch the online town hall and register
prior to the event. Registration is now open
at http://bit.ly/2RNYGEl.
A recorded version of the online town
hall will be available on the ACSA Resource
Hub later in the week. You can access the
recorded version by going to content.acsa.
org and clicking the Candidate Forum tile.
“We believe there are creative ways for
our candidates to get their information out
to all 19 regions and members statewide in
a way everyone can benefit,” Edds said. “I
encourage everyone to watch and partici-
pate because so much of what they have to
say will shape ACSA.”
Members who are interested in submit-
ting questions for the candidates before or
during the forum are encouraged to do so
by emailing them to candidates@acsanet-
work.org.
REGISTER TODAY!
ACSA Every Child Counts Symposium
February 13-15, 2019 | Anaheim Marriott Hotel
ACSA’s Student Services and Special Education
Council presents this world-class learning event each
year, featuring exciting workshops, informative keynotes
and opportunities for skill development and networking.
The event is designed for both beginning and veteran
educational leaders and focuses on the latest in the
field of student services and special education.
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Marlee
Matlin
Brad
Cohen
REGISTER ONLINE TODAY: https://goo.gl/Av2CzJ