Janae Marks
June 29, 2020 (Virtual Visit)
Our summer book club session met on Zoom to discuss Janae Mark's From the Desk of Zoe Washington. Students, teachers, and speakers came together to discuss important topics such as friendship, morals, media representation, and systemic racism with the guidance counselor and principal. In addition, A panel of judges judged the cupcake baking and decorating contest inspired by Zoe's dream to become a pastry chef. A cupcake decorator did an at-home decorating demonstration with tips on how to decorate with items most people have at their house. A Lawyer and policy analyst from the Innocence Project attended the program to discuss different career paths available within the organization. The program concluded with a Q&A session with the author. |
John David Anderson
January 23, 2020 (Virtual Visit)
On January 23, our book club enjoyed their conversation with author John David Anderson via Skype. Following John David Anderson’s visit in the 2018-2019 school year, the students were excited to read his latest book Finding Orion. Anderson fielded questions from each member of the book club and asked a follow up question to each student. With a comical approach, Anderson discussed what it’s like to be an author and encouraged students to find their passion in life. In addition, Anderson discussed process of writing a book and described some of the research that goes into getting the details correct.
On January 23, our book club enjoyed their conversation with author John David Anderson via Skype. Following John David Anderson’s visit in the 2018-2019 school year, the students were excited to read his latest book Finding Orion. Anderson fielded questions from each member of the book club and asked a follow up question to each student. With a comical approach, Anderson discussed what it’s like to be an author and encouraged students to find their passion in life. In addition, Anderson discussed process of writing a book and described some of the research that goes into getting the details correct.
Jerry Craft
October 30, 2019 (Virtual Visit)
Students new to the school district participated in a book study with Mrs. Jameson, Mr. Patterson, and Mrs. Discenza to read Craft's graphic novel New Kid. Craft spoke with our students about his inspiration for various scenes in his graphic novel. He shared a preview of his sequel and discussed the publishing process with our students. |
JOHN DAVID ANDERSON
November 30, 2018
Our 4th through 8th graders had the opportunity to meet John David Anderson, author of Ms. Bixby's Last Day, Insert Coin to Continue, The Dungeoneers, Sidekicked, Minion, Granted, and Posted. Our middle school book club discussed Anderson's book, Posted, with Anderson in a small group setting. Our Power of the Pen and literary magazine staff participated in a writing workshop with John David Anderson. We finished off the day with an all school assembly featuring Anderson. In preparation for this author visit, students in grades 7 and 8 participated in a school wide activity in which they spread kindness throughout the school by writing positive notes to hang on lockers throughout the building, an activity inspired by Posted. |
JESSICA MCKENDRY
March 16, 2018
Our seventh and eighth graders enjoyed a writing workshop with local author Jessica McKendry, known for her titles The Inferiors and From the Ashes. McKendry discussed her own writing process with our students and facilitated activities that provided students with the opportunity to create their own characters and receive feedback in the Innovation Center. |