White Tiger Tales In This Issue: Letter from the President National PTA Agenda PTA News Class News A PTA Publication for Welch Elementary School Popped popcorn for Welch students and staff on Welch Spirit Day, the first Wednesday of the month Sponsored the Wheel of Wisdom, a fun and education “game show” for all Welch students Held the school year’s second Tiger Nites Color Me Mine family pottery painting event Planned and staffed the successful Fifth Grade Farewell party, a fun-filled, day-long going-away celebration for Welch’s 5th graders Purchased Scullen Sharks t-shirts for all outgoing Welch 5th graders and created a slide show CD for each student Popped popcorn again for all Welch students and staff on May 30th, in celebration of Fifth Grade Farewell Coordinated Teacher Appreciation Week and sent students home with suggestions on how they might show their appreciation each day of the week Organized LMC volunteers to assist with the Welch Book Fair Awarded the final 2011-12 Accelerated Reader point-level prizes and engraved the name of this year’s top point earner onto the AR plaque in the LMC Organized a Cooks’ Night Out in conjunction with Culver’s Supplied food and beverages for attendees of the fourth-quarter Welch White Tiger Awards breakfast Contracted with Meadows Office Supply to offer Fall 2012 School Supply Kits for purchase Purchased math resources to help support the new math curriculum under the Common Core Standards Purchased guided reading materials for the classrooms Purchased flowers that the Green Club planted all around the Welch School sign and along the walkway in front of Welch Purchased magazine covers to protect LMC periodicals Ran a used book drive in conjunction with Welch Student Council, to benefit families in need and Welch LMC Published over 200 works of student literature through the White Tiger Writing Center Distributed free Great America admission tickets to students who participated in the PTA-run Read to Succeed program Contributed to the new Sharon Jennings Reading Corner in the Welch LMC Summer 2012
Transcript
White Tiger Tales
In This Issue:L e t t e r f r o m t h e President
N a t i o n a l P T A Agenda
PTA News
Class News
A PTA Publication for Welch Elementary School
Popped popcorn for Welch students and staff on Welch Spirit Day, the first Wednesday of the month
Sponsored the Wheel of Wisdom, a fun and education “game show” for all Welch students
Held the school year’s second Tiger Nites Color Me Mine family pottery painting event
Planned and staffed the successful Fifth Grade Farewell party, a fun-filled, day-long going-away celebration for Welch’s 5th graders
Purchased Scullen Sharks t-shirts for all outgoing Welch 5th graders and created a slide show CD for each student
Popped popcorn again for all Welch students and staff on May 30th, in celebration of Fifth Grade Farewell
Coordinated Teacher Appreciation Week and sent students home with suggestions on how they might show their appreciation each day of the week
Organized LMC volunteers to assist with the Welch Book Fair
Awarded the final 2011-12 Accelerated Reader point-level prizes and engraved the name of this year’s top point earner onto the AR plaque in the LMC
Organized a Cooks’ Night Out in conjunction with Culver’s
Supplied food and beverages for attendees of the fourth-quarter Welch White Tiger Awards breakfast
Contracted with Meadows Office Supply to offer Fall 2012 School Supply Kits for purchase
Purchased math resources to help support the new math curriculum under the Common Core Standards
Purchased guided reading materials for the classrooms
Purchased flowers that the Green Club planted all around the Welch School sign and along the walkway in front of Welch
Purchased magazine covers to protect LMC periodicals
Ran a used book drive in conjunction with Welch Student Council, to benefit families in need and Welch LMC
Published over 200 works of student literature through the White Tiger Writing Center
Distributed free Great America admission tickets to students who participated in the PTA-run Read to Succeed program
Contributed to the new Sharon Jennings Reading Corner in the Welch LMC
Summer 2012
White Tiger Tales page 2
Arlene Welch Elementary School 630-428-7200 www.ipsd.org
Summer 2012
Coming Up:● Jul. 17 - Welch PTA Executive Board Meeting, Welch Teachers’ Lounge, 9:00 - 10:30am● Jul. 18 - Summer Book Check Out and Return, Welch LMC, 9:00 - 11:00am● Aug. 15 - Summer Book Return, Welch LMC, 9:00 - 11:00am● Aug. 15 - Kindergarten Preview Day, Still Middle School, 9:00am - 12 noon or 1:00 - 3:00pm● Aug. 20 - Welch Meet and Greet, 1:30 - 2:30pm● Aug. 20 - School Supply Kits Pickup at Welch During Meet and Greet● Aug. 23 - Classes begin● Aug. 24, Aug. 25th & Aug. 26 - “Cooks’ Night Out” at Oberweis, ALL DAY! See coupon in this newsletter. Visit Oberweis on 95th Street any time on these three days, and the store will rebate up to 30% of all sales back to Welch PTA!● Aug. 24 - Cooks’ Night Out at Oberweis - come have Mr. Bonomo scoop your ice cream from 6:00 - 8:00pm!● Aug. 29 - 5th Grade Band/Orchestra Information Night, Neuqua Valley High School, 7:00 - 8:00pm● Aug. 31 - Innisbrook Fundraiser begins - watch for packets and catalogues to come home!● Sep. 03 - NO SCHOOL (Labor Day)● Sep. 04 - NO SCHOOL (Building Articulation Day)● Sep. 05 - Welch Spirit Day (Popcorn!)● Sep. 10 - 5th Grade Band/Orchestra Registration, Scullen Middle School, 4:00 - 6:00pm● Sep. 13 - Curriculum Night, Welch Elementary, 6:30 - 8:00pm● Sep. 17 - Innisbrook Fundraiser ends● Sep. 18 - IPSN PTA meeting, Crouse Education Center, Room B6, 7:00pm (Adults with Disabilities)● Sep. 19 - LMC Volunteer Kick Off Meeting, 9:30 - 10:30am● Sep. 19 - Welch PTA General Meeting, Welch Multi-Purpose Room, 7:00 - 8:30pm● Sep. 25 - Welch Fall Picture Day● Oct. 03 - National Walk to School Day● Oct. 04 - Read for the Record, 9:05 - 9:30am (Ladybug Girl and the Bug Squad, by David Soman and Jacky Davis)● Oct. 17 - Welch PTA Executive Board Meeting, Welch Multi-Purpose Room, 9:30 - 10:30am● Oct. 20 - Third Annual Welch PTA Family Fall Fun Fest, 4:00 - 8:00pm
NOTE: Welch teacher assignments will be posted on the Welch Elementary School front door by student ID number some-time in August. Please visit the school’s web site for updates on exactly when teacher assignments will be available.
Former principal Mrs. Jennings visited Welch at the end of May and was honored for all her years of devotion and hard work at Welch with the installa-tion of the new “Jennings Reading Corner” in the Welch LMC. Mrs. Jennings is known for her pas-sion for children’s education, and Welch now has a special place dedicated to her love of literacy. Stop by, and �nd a good book!
Summer Greet ings! We h o p e e v e r y o n e i s h a v i n g a r e l a x i n g s u m m e r a n d e n j o y i n g t i m e w i t h f a m i l y a n d f r i e n d s ! A s t h e n e w s c h o o l y e a r appro a c h e s we are e xc i t e d t o b e s h ar i ng t h e ro l e o f We l c h P TA p r e s i d e n t . F o r t h o s e o f y o u w h o d o n ' t k n o w u s , K a r e n i s a r e t u r n i n g o � c e r w i t h a 7 t h g r a d e r , a 5 t h g r a d e r a n d a 3 r d g rader. Miche l l e i s a ne w o�cer w it h a 3rd g rader, a 1s t g rader and a preschooler. In ke e pi ng w i t h t h e O ly mpi c sp i r i t t h i s su m m e r, we wou l d l i ke t o c h a l l e nge e ve r yon e t o � n d t h e i r e ve nt . F i n d on e e ve nt , on e pro g r a m , or on e a c t i v i t y du r i n g t h e c om i n g s c h o o l y e a r w h e re y o u c a n m a k e a d i � e r e n c e . We h a v e l o t s o f f u n , e d u c a t i o n a l e v e nt s p l a n n e d f or t h e e nt i re s c h o o l y e a r a n d w e i nv i t e y ou t o j o i n ou r t e am . � e s m i l e s you re c e ive f rom s tu d e nt s w h e n you volunteer are worth more than a gold medal ! Have a fun, safe summer, and we ' l l see you at Meet & Greet ! Michel le Enns Welch PTA C o-Presidentwelchpta .enns@gmai l .com
Karen DuncanWelch PTA C o-Presidentduncmank@aol .com
Stay Connected to District 204:Follow District 204 on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/ipsd204Subscribe to 204 e-news at: http://ipsdweb.ipsd.org/tools/listservsignup.aspx
Arlene Welch Elementary School 630-428-7200 www.ipsd.org
National PTAreprinted from National PTA online brochure: http://www.pta.org/100Ways_brochure-en.pdf
10 Ways to Help Your Child & School to Succeed
�ere are many ways to be involved with your child’s education. You’re probably doing some of these things already. Maybe it’s calling the teacher to say “thank you” or to ask a question, or attending a parent or school board meeting. BUT just because school is out for the summer doesn’t mean that there are not things you can do to continue to help your child succeed.
Here are 10 Ways to continue your e�orts during the summer! (Excerpts from National PTA’s 100 Ways to Help Your Child and School Succeed)
# 21 Meet your child’s friends and get to know their parents.# 33 Make donations and/or o�er to work at clothing drives and food banks to bene�t economically-disadvantaged families in the community.# 40 Provide encouragement and praise for your child’s e�orts.# 41 Share your interests, hobbies, and talents with your child.# 42 Provide your child with books, magazines, newspapers, and other materials, and encourage regular read-ing [together.]# 43 View selected TV programs together and then discuss them.# 44 Make family trips to the library, zoo, museum, or park a fun learning experience.# 95 Become active in community groups such as YMCA and Boys and Girls Clubs.# 99 Encourage and facilitate your child’s participation in community service# 100 Be a role model; be active in community service yourself or together with your child.
To access the full two-page printable brochure 100 Ways to Help Your Child and School Succeed go to: http://www.pta.org/100Ways_brochure-en.pdf
Tools for Parents During an Election Year
Being educated about candidates for public o�ce is a critical component of being the best advocate for students. It’s important to know candidates’ positions on legislative issues that are important to children and public schools. By PTA members exercising their democratic right to vote, we are able to give children a voice. As local leaders, you have an important role in ensuring that the PTA voice is heard at the polls. National PTA has developed a number of resources that are available at the PTA Votes (http://www.pta.org/vote) page, including its 2012 Election Guide: http://www.pta.org/2012_NPTA_Election_Guide_v3.pdf
Summer 2012
White Tiger Tales page 5
Arlene Welch Elementary School 630-428-7200 www.ipsd.org
Open PTA Committees�e PTA has a number of committees in need of chairmen and volunteers for the 2012-13 academic year. Please thoughtfully consider donating your time to one of these valuable positions. We don't want to lose any of these enriching and worthy programs. �e Welch community will bene�t from your e�orts!
IPPA (Indian Prairie Project Arrow) PTA Liaison - the liaison will attend monthly IPPA meetings and report back at Welch PTA monthly meetings. IPSN (Indian Prairie Special Needs) PTA liaison - the liaison will attend monthly IPSN PTA meetings and report back at Welch PTA monthly meetings. PDAC (Parent Diversity Advisory Council) liaison - the liaison will attend monthly PDAC meetings and report back at Welch PTA monthly meetings. Community Service - the chairman will organize service projects throughout the year (e.g. Halloween candy drive, Nike shoe recycling drive, food drive, winter coat drive, etc.).Junior Achievement - the chairman will coordinate training for volunteers, prepare class rosters and supervise the JA program that meets one morning per week for 5 weeks.White Tiger Awards Breakfast - the chairman will purchase food and drinks for breakfast and help with set-up during the quarterly awards breakfasts at Welch.. PTA Newsletter editor - the editor will collect and compile newsworthy contributions (updates, calendar items, photos, etc.) from PTA committee chairs, PTA executive board members, IPSD 204 sources, Illinois State and National PTA newsletters and/or web sites, and Welch Elementary School principal and sta�; pro-vide an outline of proofed content to the newsletter designer for creation of dra� and �nal versions.Read for the Record - the chairman will recruit and coordinate volunteers (one per Welch classroom; some volunteers may be assigned two classrooms) to read next year’s choice for Jumpstart’s Read for the Record® campaign, as well as assemble a supply of the designated 2012 book. (www.readfortherecord.org/)Picture Day - the chairman will recruit volunteers to assist teachers and school photographers in organizing students and Welch sta� during fall and spring picture days.Helping Hands - the chairman collects applications to submit to police department throughout the year and distributes "Helping Hand" window signs.
Summer 2012
Directory CommitteeA very limited supply of 2011-12 directories is for sale on a �rst-come, �rst-served basis ($5.00 each). If you are a current PTA member and did not receive a directory or if you would like to purchase a directory, please contact Karen Duncan at [email protected].
Membership CommitteeDid you know that the PTA is a 501(c)3 non-pro�t organization? If your employer has a matching gi� pro-gram, you can make a tax-deductible donation to the PTA and your employer will match that donation (within limits of the their plan). Also, employees of corporations with employee directed giving plans (e.g. BP's Fabric of America Fund) can also direct funds to the PTA. Please consider using these options to support the PTA and the students at Welch. �ank you to those who have contributed! If you have any questions, please contact Karen Duncan at [email protected].
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Arlene Welch Elementary School 630-428-7200 www.ipsd.org
Summer 2012
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Arlene Welch Elementary School 630-428-7200 www.ipsd.org
Summer 2012
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Arlene Welch Elementary School 630-428-7200 www.ipsd.org
Summer 2012
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Arlene Welch Elementary School 630-428-7200 www.ipsd.org
Summer 2012
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Arlene Welch Elementary School 630-428-7200 www.ipsd.org
Accelerated Reader Committee
Read for the Record
Neel P. in 5MM received the Accelerated Reader Top Point Earner award for the academic year 2011-12. Neel's name was placed on a plaque that hangs in the Library Media Center. Neel's accomplishment is highlighted by the fact that he becomes the top point earner in Welch's history. Congratulations Neel!
Summer 2012
On �ursday, October 4, 2012, Welch will once again be participating in Jumpstart’s Read for the Record. By reading Ladybug Girl and the Bug Squad by Jacky Davis and David Soman, we’ll help to set a new world record for the greatest number of people reading the same book on the same day.
If you or anyone you know has a copy of this book that we can borrow, please save the date and let Karen Duncan know. If you or anyone you know would like to chair this event, please contact Karen at [email protected].
Reflections Committee2012-2013 Re�ections theme has been announced! It’s never too early to think about how you could artistically re�ect this theme.
2012-2013 Re�ections Program �eme: "�e Magic of a Moment..."
Designed to enhance rather than replace a quality arts education, the PTA® Re�ections Program(SM) provides opportunities for students to express themselves and to receive positive recognition for their artistic e�orts.
PTA believes all children deserve a quality arts education and encourages students to pursue artistic expression through participation in its annual arts Re�ections Program. �e program o�ers students the opportunity to create works of art for fun and recognition. Students in preschool through grade 12 are encouraged to create and submit works of art in six areas: dance choreography, �lm production, literature, musical composition, photography, and the visual arts (which includes art forms such as drawing, painting, print making, and collage). For more than 40 years, the program has encouraged millions of students across the nation and in American schools overseas to create works of art. �e Re�ections Program was started in 1969 by then Colorado PTA President Mary Lou Anderson. Students participate in the Re�ections Program by submitting entries to their local PTA next October.
Box Tops CommitteeRemember to clip and save your Box Tops and Campbell Soup labels all summer long. Your children can bring them into school in the fall during the PTA’s campaigns for the 2012-13 academic year. Welch PTA has used the funds earned from these collections in the past for LMC materials and playground equipment.
White Tiger Tales page 11
Arlene Welch Elementary School 630-428-7200 www.ipsd.org
Summer 2012
Cooks’ Night Out CommitteeCome on Friday, August 24th, between 6pm and 8pm, and have Principal Bonomo scoop your ice cream!
Fun Fest CommitteeWe have a date!
Did you attend Fall Fun Fest last October? If you did, then you know how awesome it was. If not, do not worry, because planning is underway for Welch PTA’s third FunFest on October 20, 2012! �anks to all who are working on this during the summer break. We are getting closer to �lling all the committee chair positions and �nalizing the plan for yet another successful, exciting, and fun festival for students, parents, and Welch sta�.
How can you help? �ere are many opportunities to volunteer. You can volunteer now on a committee to help with planning, you can volunteer the day of with set up, helping for one hour at a station (games, prizes, food, auction, entertainment) or with cleanup. Grab a friend, and make it fun! How about forming a team of people from your street or with a group of friends? Don't forget your husbands. We need some muscle for set-up and clean-up crews. We will be posting volunteer opportunities for the weekend of the event online in September.
Our Fun Fest theme will be PATRIOTIC in honor of this year's Olympics and upcoming Presidential election. We will be accepting any red/white/blue decoration donations for the event.
In the meantime, if you own a business, or have a friend who does, that is interested in advertising/sponsoring at the Fest, please contact Michele Nonnenmann at 630-865-4287 or [email protected].
White Tiger Tales page 12
Arlene Welch Elementary School 630-428-7200 www.ipsd.org
Summer 2012
Birthday Book Club CommitteeNate G. / K Dornbos Ashley D. / 4 HanleyBook: Dear Deer Book: Nancy Drew - �e Clue of the Velvet MaskBirthday: April 2nd Birthday: May 8th
Jenna D. / 2 Johnson-Wise Russell P. / 2 Johnson-WiseBook: Ramona the Pest Book: Little Witch Goes to SchoolBirthday: April 27th Birthday: May 31st
William G. / 1 PetitBook: DOGKUBirthday: June 21st
Superintendent’ s Messagere-printed from 204 e-News, the o�cial email newsletter for Indian Prairie School District 204, June 14, 2012
Dear District 204 Community,
As a superintendent with a strong commitment to communication, I want to let you know the annual Report to the Community is currently being mailed to all homes in our district. In it you will �nd a summary of the district's �nances and academic achievement.
A few highlights include:
-As a district, 93.5 percent of students met or exceeded state standards on the ISAT for combined reading, math, and science scores. -�e largest academic gain was seen on the ACT test, where students achieved a record setting score for the district. -District 204 spends less per pupil than any of its benchmark districts, yet our students' academic achievement is on par with all of our peers.
We've also included information about Common Core State Standards, one of the largest education reforms to be implemented in decades.
If you haven't received your copy yet, I invite you to spend a few moments to read it online at Report to the Com-munity.While you are online, I would encourage you to follow the district on Twitter -- one more way we share information with you.
Arlene Welch Elementary School 630-428-7200 www.ipsd.org
Summer 2012Letter from the Principal Dear Welch Families:
I hope everyone is having a safe and fun summer. I can’t believe it’s the middle of July already. I hope all of our students have been reading and practicing their math facts so that they’re ready when school starts!
If you have not registered your child for the 2012-2013 school year, please do so AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Sta�ng decisions will be made based on the number of students who are registered. We currently have over 70 students who attended Welch last year and have not yet registered. Our summer o�ce hours are 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. If these times don’t work for you, please contact our main o�ce (630-428-7200), and we will try to accommodate you.
We are experiencing many changes at Welch. If you’ve driven by the building recently, you’ve seen the work being done to put a new roof on the older portion of the building. At this time, the work is progressing on schedule.
We have some sta� changes for this school year as well.
Ms. Drendel is now full-time at the district o�ce as the Assistant Director of Human Resources, Registration and Residency. Mrs. Mitchell, our Student Services Coordinator (SSC) is moving to Patterson Elementary school next year. Mrs. Ruh, our psychologist, will be our new SSC. Ms. Dietlin, who was the psychologist at Builta and Fry last year, will continue to serve Builta but will now be Welch’s psychologist. Mrs. Konecki, one of our speech pathologists, will now be full-time at Springbrook Elementary School. Ms. Supple and Ms. Zmuda will be joining our speech pathology sta�. Mrs. Wisler-Herzog, one of our English Language Learner (ELL) teachers retired at the end of last school year. Mrs. Alzueta will be joining our ELL sta�. Mrs. Kittle, one of our support teachers, will be full-time at White Eagle next year. Mrs. Butts will join us part-time. She was at Brookdale Elementary last school year. Mrs. Ash, one of our self-contained support teachers, will be at Graham Elementary School next year. Mrs. Dodsworth, who was at Peterson last year, will be at Welch this year. Mrs. Wise has taken a position in another school district where she lives. Mrs. Johnson will now be a full-time second grade teacher. Mrs. Mattia and Mrs. Muell will both be full-time ��h grade teachers this year. Due to declining enrollment, we will only have 4 classes of kindergarten this year. Mrs. Cindy Webber will be at Steck Elementary School this school year. Also a�ected by enrollment is Ms. Ske�ngton. She currently does not have a position for next year but we hope to be able to bring her back, if not at Welch then somewhere else in the district. Mrs. Ask, one of our PE teachers, retired at the end of the school year. Her replacement has not been named at this time.
I would like to take this time to thank each and every one of these individuals for their hard work and dedication in helping us make Welch such a great school for all kids. Earlier in the summer, an announcement was posted to our website and a listserv sent out regarding an online survey for our room parties. We received less than 10% response to the survey, so we will be taking another survey in the fall. Of the responses we did receive, 65% are in favor of the current plan for the 2012-2013 school year. Primary concerns were shared regarding our policy to not allow food or goody bags.
Here are some important dates to get on your calendars:
August 15th—Summer Book Check in August 20th—Meet and Greet August 23rd—First Day of Classes November 5th, 6th and 8th—Parent Teacher Conferences
Enjoy the rest of the summer.
Sincerely,Ken Bonomo
All students registering for District 204's kindergarten in the fall are invited to attend the 2nd Annual Kindergarten Preview Day for Transportation and Food Service.
August 15th at STILL MIDDLE SCHOOL
9:00 am to noon Or
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm This is an opportunity to get information on student bus transportation, safe walk routes to school, and what the school lunch program offers, including nutritional information. Representatives from food service and transportation will be available to answer questions. Kindergartners who will ride the bus are encouraged to come to have their picture taken and get their bus ID badge that will be secured onto their backpack. For walkers, safety officials and information will be available on safe walk routes. The following vendors will have information for parents: School Meal Program: Preview the elementary lunch line with your kindergartner, including menus and nutritional information. Your child can also visit with Chartwells' mascot Sydney. MyPaymentsPlus.com: Find out how to manage your kindergartner’s meal account and pay fees on-line using MyPaymentPlus.com. Student Transportation & Safe Walk Information: Find out how to view your kindergartner’s bus route information online, receive bus rules and safety information. Students can come see Buster the Bus and climb on board a real bus. Receive information about riding the bus on Mock Day (August 21st ) with your kindergartner. HR Imaging: Learn how your kindergartner will use his or her student ID in elementary school. School picture dates will be available.
Welch Elementary 2012-2013 School Supply List
Kindergarten
8 Boxes of 8 Crayons (Basic colors, small size)
1 Box Standard #2 Pencils (pre-sharpened, please)
12 Glue Sticks
1 pink eraser
2 Folders with Pockets (bottom pockets, not side pockets)
2 Folders-2 pockets with 3 prongs in the center
2 Plastic folders, 2 pocket blue or green
1 Box of 8 Washable Crayola Markers
1 Box of colored pencils
1 Box of 200 Count Tissues
1 Container Baby Wipes
1 box gallon size Ziploc freezer bags (Boys only)
1 box quart size Ziploc freezer bags (Girls only)
4 black dry erase markers- broad tip
4 black dry erase markers-fine tip
Dry erase eraser
**Parents~ your child will also need the following:
*Art shirt (old large shirt) with your child’s name on the front
*Backpack large enough to hold a folder
*An extra change of clothes to be kept in your child’s backpack
*You will receive a note from your child’s teacher as to your child’s P.E. schedule. Please be sure your child
wears their gym shoes to school on those days.
*Please do not write your child’s name on any of the supplies as they will be shared.
Grade 1
6 Folders, Double Pocket, 9” x 12”, without designs bottom pockets, not side pockets, in the following
colors:
Red, Blue, Orange, Yellow, Green, and Black/Purple
Arlene Welch Elementary School 630-428-7200 www.ipsd.org
Summer 2012LMC News
As the winner of this year's Welch Elementary Young Authors' award, Spencer Fitzgerald was invited to attend the 38th Illinois Statewide Young Authors’ Conference held on May 19th at Illinois State University. �is annual event is sponsored by the Illinois Language and Literacy Council, in conjunction with the Illinois Reading Council. It is designed as a celebration to honor exceptional writing by students in grades K through 8. �e conference provides an opportunity for young writers to meet published authors and to hear how the authors themselves create the char-acters and stories that have become their books. At the conclusion of the conference, there is an award ceremony where students receive certi�cates for their participation as well as copies of the books written by the author they heard speak. According to Spencer, the conference was "pretty cool" and he can't wait to get his story (Don't Eat Crayons) published!
