Acclaimed Author Visits Armleder Seldom do students have an opportunity to really get “up close and personal” with a favorite author whose books they have read for class studies as well as for personal pleasure. However, that is just what happened when Sharon Draper came to Otto Armleder on April 30. This award-winning author, poet and former National Teacher of the Year had been one of only 60 authors invited to participate in the National Book Festival hosted by First Lady Laura Bush and the Library of Congress earlier in the year. At Armleder Ms. Draper conducted separate workshops for grades 2nd-4th and grades 5th-7th. At each session she shared insights on writing, recapped her career path, and answered questions from the eager, excited audience. A highlight for the students was having their novels autographed by the author. During the weeks following, many conversations at the lockers of middle school students included updates of the latest Sharon Draper novel being read. Among the 2nd-4th grades, there is hardly a student who does not proudly own an autographed Ziggy and the Black Dinosaurs novel. Ms. Draper can be assured that one of her strongest fan clubs exists at CHCA Otto Armleder. < 3rd graders: Front row (l-r)
Bethany Walker, J’Quaan Waite, Makayla Jones; second row: London Montgomery, Abbey Breyfogle, Menyada Anderson, Sydnei Simpson; third row (l-r): Saa Abu, Isaiah Howard, Hope Hansee, Kennedi Toney, Braylin Leahr, Kaleb Anderson, Cierra Raglin, Sharon Draper, Jourdan Cooper, Christina Dunn, Janel Bond, Aislinn Wilson, Grace Creech.
> 4th graders: Front row: Austin
Galliher, Ennis Tait, Je’Kia Lee, Jada Kiner; second row: Nakia Williams, Victor Green, Yiyara Greenlee, Sharon Draper; third row: Karlie Whitfield, Torayye Waite, Drew Taylor, Raven Hines, Arissa Freeman, Moriah Coman, MaKayla Albright, Sawyer Ray, Aaron Brown, Turin Auguste, Alisshia Gatling, Savannah Mary.
Putting Pen to Paper
S.T.A.R.s Shine Bright at Armleder As a culminating activity of Armleder’s Positive Behavior Support System, the third annual S.T.A.R. (Students/Staff That Always Respect) Leadership Luncheon was held on May 18. Students who modeled exemplary behavior with no referrals or disciplinary consequences in the last quarter (some during the entire year), and who adhered to the following Armleder Star Pledge attended the luncheon. As an Armleder S.T.A.R., I promise to do my best to honor God in these ways: • Respect myself · Respect others · Respect property · Accept responsibility · Use self-control · Spread peace at school, at home & in the community Featured guests included young community leaders and role models in such fields as government, entertainment, business, education, medicine, law, the media and sports. Three high school seniors were among the guests and included Abby Carlin of CHCA High School. After the young leaders spoke briefly of their professions/career paths and offered a few inspirational words, they shared lunch with the eligible 3rd-7th graders. The gym had been colorfully arrayed for the occasion, and it was a fitting setting for the animated dialogue that prevailed among the students and the guests.
by Margaret Horton
Now in its second year at Armleder, W5 (Writers With A Way With Words) experienced exciting growth and development. The active membership of this writing workshop increased to twenty-five 3rd-6th graders who met regularly after school on alternate Mondays. As they honed their craft, created and critiqued, they responded to several publication opportunities. Primary among them was the ACSI Creative Writing Festival where several entries received excellent ratings and two received superior. An essay written by 5th grader Augusta Enns received a superior rating and was selected by the judges to be included in the ACSI Regional publication, comprised of the “best of the best” from the Creative Writing Festival. Other publication venues included two editions of the national Anthology of Poetry, Armleder Chapel, ACSI Speech Meet, and the middle school newsletter, In the Middle. As a finale for a productive year, the group published the W5 Anthology which included at least one piece from every member, as well as from coordinator Mrs. Margaret Horton and assistant coordinator Mrs. Alicia DuBois. A source of great pride for the writers was the preface that was specially written for the anthology by visiting author Sharon Draper. Ennis Tait (on floor); front row, l-r: London Montgomery, Shelley Menifee, Alecia McMichael, Augusta Enns; second row, l-r: Torayye Waite, Mrs. Margaret Horton, Menyada Anderson, Christiana Tait, Sydney Menifee; back row, l-r: Kyria Williams, Moriah Coman, Jourdan Montgomery, Nakia Williams, Je’Kia Lee, Yadiah Graham, Raelyn Klusmeyer, Preeya Waite.
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