BRIDGE FOUNDATION NEWSLETTER, 2016MAYARO READ TO RISE SPONSORED BY BG TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO NOW SHELL Issue 5
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1.
Read for the
Record Day, 2016
Mayaro Read to Rise sponsored by
BG Trinidad and Tobago now SHELL
Issue Date
BY JULIA SARCONE-ROACH IN THIS ISSUE
Anthea McLaughlin, CEO of Bridge Foundation at Mayaro R.C. School introduces the Jumpstart book and thanks everyone for their support especially BG Trinidad and Tobago
now SHELL and Principal, Marva Noel.
Candice Sobers paints the Hawk Eagle to complement student reading at Chinapoo Government School.
“TALL TALES WELL TOLD”
Tall Tales were well told in Trinidad and Tobago on October 27th, 2016 by reading
the Jumpstart selected book, “A Bear Ate Your Sandwich.” You may be wondering
how can a book from the U.S. inspire us in Trinidad and Tobago? The answer is
simple: our stories, our lives and our experiences are connected. Yes, even our Tall Tales.
The unreliable narrartor of the Bear Ate Your Sandwich reminds us of our Tall Tale characters in Trinidad and Tobago. The narrator in the book shares half-truths and requires our young readers to be an astute reader to unlock the clues on the pages of the Tall Tale.
The most known and influential Tall Tale character in Caribbean literature is the
tricky Anansi the Spider, and so we
decided that the theme for Trinidad and Tobago RFRD would be called, “Anansi Lunchtime - Who Ate the Sandwich?”
To prepare schools this year, the Foundation distributed Tale Tall story development tips and asked schools during Read for the Record week to create with their students their own Tall Tales.
We also encouraged schools on Read for the Record day to read and to prepare make believe sandwiches designed with creative materials or better yet, real sandwiches to eat at lunch time.
To complement the Jumpstart book and to inspire students to create their own Tall Tales, the Foundation distributed two Tall
Tale stories entitled,“Anansi & the Turtle
and Mr. Hawk Eye Feast of Julia Mangoes on the Moon.” by Shurla Blades.
We observed from the pictures shared by dedicated school ambassadors that both public and private schools took advantage of the smart board technology and students during classroom or lunch time read aloud the stories in groups, and/or as a whole school activity. Congratulations to the Ministry of Education of Trinidad and Tobago for creating this technology pathway. Select schools also had the privilege of
reading the Inspirational book entitled, If I Can, You Can too by Marsha Riley and to
hear her read the book and share her inspirations.
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Bridge introduces in-house writer by Shurla Blades and Illustrator Candice Sobers
Author of Jumpstart selected book,
The Bear Ate Your Sandwich by Julia-
Sarcoma Roach
Special Author
The cover of The Bear Ate Your Sandwich book shares a lot about the
author ‘s appreciation of art and the love of storytelling. Julia grew up in Arlington, Virginia and currently lives in Brooklyn, New York where she writes and illustrates books. She recently received the2016 Ezra Jack Keats Award for New Writers.
This charming picture book was recognized for its creativity and the author’s ability to share with humor the role of an unreliable narrator.
Her other children’s books include Subway Story, The Secret Plan and Incrediblle Inventions. Julia’s talent is also in animation and film, and she has recently created an award
winning film, called, “Where the Wild Things Are.”
opportunity for children across the rest of the globe to experience and develop a greater understanding of Caribbean life.
Shurla has a B.A. in English Honours and a Masters in Creative and Media Writing from the University of Wales. She has taught English at both the secondary and tertiary levels and helped schools implement reading and writing workshops.
One Special fact about Shurla. She is an avid traveler who has been to many places around the world, including the Arctic !
How cool is that!
Mr. Haawk Eagke Feast of Julia
Mangoes on the Moon book was
illustrated by the prolific contemporary artist,Candice Sobers who is also a life skills trainer. She holds a B.A. in Visual Arts and a McPhil in Cultural Studies. With Candice Sobers’ artistic support, the Bridge Foundation works to lift the words off the page and creates visual expressions with students in schools to enjoy Read to Rise books. On Read for the Record Day, while Bridge
Ambassadors read Mr. Hawk -Eagle’s Tall Tale, Candice painted Hawk- Eagle with a basket filled with luscious Julie mangoes. Candice illustrations and painting can be viewed on the Oval Wall in Trinidad and Tobago and her website is as follows:
http://candicesobers.blogspot.com/
Candice emphasizes A and B.
Trinidad and Tobago author, Shurla Blades shared her writing talents on Read for the Record day and currently provides curriculum support to the Bridge Foundation.
She is returning national of Trinidad and Tobago and a child of San Juan where growing up on her grand parents’ six acres of land shaped and influenced her creative expression. Shurla is also inspired by the fairy and folktales of her childhood including Anansi and Aesop’s Fables.
She explained that Mr. Hawk Eagle’s Feast of Julie Mangoes on the Moon is a contemporary and culturally relevant tale set in San Juan, Trinidad, expressly written for the children across the Caribbean to identify with, relate to and at the same time feel good about themselves. It is the imaginative recount of a little boy’s encounter with a hawk-eagle in his backyard during one of the happiest times on island - mango season.
Mr. Hawk Mangoes Eagle’s Feast of Julie Mangoes on the Moon also provides an
A BIT ABOUT THE BEAR ATE YOUR SANDWICH BOOK
The book creatively places the blame on a bear eating a sandwich by taking a young reader on a circuitous journey through the city and then to the woods. At the end, with lots of humor, and special surprises, readers realized that the narrator, a fluffy dog shared a very suspicious story that he saw it all and that he truly did save the sandwich.
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Read for the Record Day launches Read to Rise at Mayaro R.C.
School sponsored by BG Trinidad and Tobago now SHELL
Inspirational Book, If I Can, You Can Too!
& Author Marsha Riley on Read for the
Record Day
STORIES OF HARD WORK, PERSEVERANCE AND
EVENTUAL SUCCES
S
At Mayaro R.C. School, Marsha Riley, author of
If I Can , You Can Too! shared inspirational messages about achievement and success. She asked students about if they believed that their dreams could come true.
Marsha reinforced that believing in yourself is the key to success and walking with confidence will take you to your destination.
.
She reiterated the importance of hard work and explained in plain terms that even if your dream is to make “tons and tons of money” you have to work hard for it.
HER CURRENT WORK
This is Marsha Riley’s first book which is about unsung heroes in Trinidad and Tobago. Marsha explains that her book is about “the lives of ordinary Trinidadians who have accomplished extraordinary things despite obstacles.”
Marsha is the creator of a seminar that helps equip parents to identify and harness the natural intelligences of children. She is a TV host of a show called, CARE and is also building a Piece of Me Foundation. You can go to her website: http://marshariley.com/
Children were also engaged by local storyteller, Zakiya Rashida Gill who interactively read The Bear Ate your Sandwich book,Trini-Style.
The opening prayer and blessing was offered by Vice Principal, Sharon Rahin-Kissoon, who also welcomed Bridge Foundation’s Read to Rise programme and thanked SHELL for their commitment to improving literacy at Mayaro R.C. School. Mayaro R.C. students received further encouragement from the Honorable Ruston Paray for Mayaro
and Guayaguayare constituencies’ representative, Mr. Neil Ramvath. Mr. Neil Ramvath, Communication Manager enthusiastically shared the importance of reading and he gave personal accounts of how reading made a difference in his life.
He congratulated Mayaro R.C. on being the designated school for the Read to Rise programme funded by BG Trinidad and
MAYARO STUDENTS BLIND FOLDED PINNING THE BASKET ON Mr. HAWK-
EAGLE
Abeo Jackson, actor, choregrapher, producer and writer engaged Mayaro R.C. School
students
ABOUT ZAKIYA RAHISDA GILL
Zakiya is a writer, poet, dramatist and actor with a passion for performing. At an early age of 12, Zakiya refused to blend in and her individuality distinguished her from others. She has won many awards and continues to make her communities of Guayaguayare and Mayaro proud.
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ITHSE FOR OVER FIVE Y
SSUS EARS
Dexter Alleyne representing
both TT Pro League and
Trinidad and Tobago Police
Service expressed their support for literacy
by sharing literacy gifts with Mayaro R.C. School including Nelson Street Boys' R.C. School and Chinapoo Government Primary School.
READ FOR THE RECORD PARTICIPATION
94 schools
11,094students
50% reported
Cool School Quotes
shared on Tally Sheets for 2016
Each year schools submit Tally Sheets to Bridge Foundation listing how many students participated in RFRD and also submit a phrase or sentence to describe their experiences on this special reading celebration. Here are a few Read for the Record comments from participating schools:
Bishop Anstey Junior School- “It was hilarious. I like how the city became a forest. That was a smart dog to make up that whole story.”
Barataria Anglican Primary: - We did active listening and
“ it was very interesting and enjoyable.”
Dunross Preparatory School - The book was ”really funny” and “ the dog needs to tell the truth.”
San Fernando T.M. L. School- “Students were excited, they answered questions and showed good listening skills. They loved the story.”
Holy Faith St. Monica’s – “The Read for the Record Day was tremendous.”
St. Andrews Private School – “ Students wanted to know how they can contribute at secondary school when they leave St. Andrews.”
St. Augustine South Government Primary School - “The Story of Anansi and the the Turtle taught me to be kind to my friends. “ O! Anansi was greedy.”
6TH
YEAR S
WITH RFRD
SUPPORTS
LITERACY
Bridge Foundation 6th
Year in joining Trinidad and Tobago schools to RFRD
BRIDGE FOUNDATION NEWSLETTER, 2016MAYARO READ TO RISE SPONSORED BY BG TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO NOW SHELL Issue 5
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CONTACT INFO
Ma Fable. Omar Lewis also read the the school, “ Once Upon a Caribbean Time.” where he asked students to join his interactive story-telling. Stacey Dixon, a pilot also shared the importance of literacy with the childrenMa Fable.
OUR AMBASSADORS expanded support for RFRD Read for Record Ambassadors resoundingly shared their love of reading with students of Nelson Street Boys’ R.C. Primary School and Chinapoo Government Primary School. Their inspirational messages were conveyed through their own personal stories and explained how reading can positively transform lives. Abeo Jackson, an accomplished producer of plays and musicals in Trinidad and Tobago, shared the importance of expression and creating your own voice. She introduced actresses Zo-Mari Tanker and Celcilia Salazar as well as Samantha John, Founder of Baby Babble Network
Samantha John founder of Baby and and TV Host as exemplary role models for positive communication.
Above, Airport Authority representative, Oswald Bruce who offered motivational words to Nelson Street Boys’ students along with his colleague, Andrienne Ayers-Allen. Also, Jet Blue Representatives, Paul Parawan, General Manager and Leon Roach, AO Supervisor look on.
On October 27st
, Read for the Record Day, Jet Blue Airways and Airports Authority Representatives for the fourth year came out to support literacy for children in Trinidad and Tobago. As a collaborative team both institutions shared their inspirational messages about the power of reading to achieve dreams.
. SAMANTHA JOHN, Founder of Baby Babble Network and TV Host read the
story The Bear Ate Your Sandwich.
Above Ms. Commissiong reads from the
book ,If I Can, You Can Too! and explained that Kershon Walcott succeeded despite all the odds. She also shared that you can do it too!
At Nelson Street Boy’s Primary School, CECILIA SALAZAR , award winning actress, a new supporter of Read for the Record mesmerized students with her interpretation of the jumpstart selected book.
Bridge Foundation also thanks the team of Jet
Blue and Airports Authority for keeping the students
COOL on hot and sunny day through the donation
of Luigi Ices all the way from NYC.
Below, Kate Hart, Director of JetBlue Customer Support shared personal time with students of Nelson Street Boys’ Primary School.
Adrienne Ayers-Allen from Airports Authority also gave a few words of encouragement to students of Chinapoo Government Primary and also thanked the Principal, Marvis Springer for being a great host and supporter of literacy. She offered an organized visit to the airport for the students.
Jet Blue team grew this year, and graciously included their own special guests, Janelle Penny Commissiong, former Miss Trinidad and Tobago and Miss Universe 1977 as well as Kate Hart, Director of JetBlue Customer Support. Ms. Hart flew in from Salt Lake City for the event. Both guests engaged the students of Chinapoo Government Primary School and Nelson Street Boys’ Primary School.
ZO-MARI-TANKER, multi-media producer & Actress with Nelson Street Boys. R.C. Principal, Mrs. Gerzais, her students, and local guests happily holding the the book,
The Bear Ate Your Sandiwch .
National Football Player, Gibri McDavid, sharing a special moment with Nelson Boys’ R.C. student.
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Mayaro Read to
Rise sponsored
by BG Trinidad
and Tobago now SHELL
Thank You BOSS Trinidad Ltd
for
transporting Read for the Record Day books
and
providing give-a-ways for students
for
READ FOR THE RECORD DAY, 2016
North Zone: Total 36 Schools
Arbor School Bethlehem Boy’s Primary (70) Bethlehem Girl’s Primary (72) Bishops Anstey Junior School (406) Blackman’s Private School Chinapoo E.C.C.E (85) Chinapoo Gov’t Primary (231) Holistic Primary School Holy Faith St. Bernadettes (225) Holy Faith St Monica’s (60) Holy Name Preparatory School Maria Regina Schoo Mucurapo Boy’s R.C. School (250) Mucurapo Girl’s R.C. School (459) Mucurapo T.M.L. Primary Nelson Street Boy’s School (302) Nelson Street Girl’s School (396) Newtown Boy’s R.C. School Newtown Girl’s R.C. School Paramin R.C. School Rosary Boy’s R.C. School Sacred Heart Boy’s R.C. School Sacred Heart Girl’s R.C. School St. Agnes A.C. Primary School (407) St. Andrews Private School (377) St. Ann’s R.C. School St. Barb’s Gov’t Primary St. Catherine A.C. Primary St. Dominic’s R.C. School (238) St Rose’s R.C. School St. Theresa’s R.C. School (398) St. Ursula’s A.C. Primary School Tranquility Gov’t Primary School
School Tallies received: 50% returned this year
SUPPORT OF BOSS LTD OVER THE YEARS
BOSS Trinidad Ltd has supported Read for the Record Day for five years with the leadership of Johnathon Campbell. For school supplies you can link to: http://www.bosstrinidad.com/en/http://www.bosstrinidad.com/en/
South Zone Total =13 Schools
Mayaro Government Primary (35) Ortoire R.C. School(148) Guayaguayare R.C. Primary (281) Iere Home Nursery; San Fernando San Fernando Boy’s Gov’t Primary; (411) San Fernando Girl’s Gov’t Primary (553) San Fernando Boy’s R.C San Fernando Girl’s A.C. (559) T.M.L. Primary San Fernando (116) St. Gabriel Girls R.C. Primary St. Joseph Terrace (195) St. Paul’s Boy’s A.C. Primary (622) St. Peter’s Private School East Zone Total =26 Schools
Aranguez Gov’t Primary Arranguez E.C.C.E. (50) Arima Boy’s Gov’t Primary (30) Arima Girl’s Gov’t Primary Arima Boy’s R. Arima Girl’s R. Barataria Anglican Primary (701) Barataria E.C.C.E. Bon Air Gov’t Primary Curepe Educational Centre Curepe (200) Curepe Presbyterian School (313)) Dinsley Trincity Gov’t Primary El Socorro South E.C.C.E (24) Mt. Dor Gov’t Primary ( 145) San Juan Presbyterian Primary St. Augustine E.C.C. E. St. Augustine Government Primary(119) St. Joseph Boy’s T.M.L. Primary (410) Valsyn E.C.C.E (56)
East Zone ‘Cont’d
St. Xavier Private Primary (533) Tunapuna Boy’s R.C. School (233) St.Dominics (238) U.W.I. Pre School Y.M.C.A.La Joya (46 ) Little Gems E.C.C.E Mamorial Gov’t Primary ( 300) West Zone Total =16 Schools
Carenage Boy’s R.C. School Carenage Girl’s R.C. School Crystal Stream Gov’t Primary (30) Diamond Vale Gov’t Primary Diego Martin Boy’s R.C. School Diego Martin Girl’s R.C. School Diego Martin Gov’t Primary Dunross Preparatory School (449) International School P.O.S. La Puerta Gov’t Primary Maple Leaf International School) Maria Goretti Primary (88) Patna River Estate Gov’t Primary Petit Valley Boy’s R.C. Primary (143) Petit Valley Girl’s R.C. Primary Petit Valley Gov’t ECCE (36) Central Zone Total = 3 Schools
Chaguanas Gov’t Primary Chickland R.C. School (60) Gran Couva R.C. School
Schools with no numbers means they either received books or did not have accurate numbers to report at the date requested.
For the first time this year, the Foundation relied primarily on on-line reporting.
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Snapshots on Read for the Record Day, 2016
Snapshots on Read for the Record Day, 2016
What is the difference?
Schools featured above and below in no particular order are: Chinapoo Government School, St. Andrews’s Private School, Mayaro R.C. School, Ortoire R.C. School, Bishop’s Anstey Junior School, Bethlehem R.C. School, Holy Faith St. Monica School, Nelson Street Boy’s Primary School, St, St.Bernadettes and Petit Valley Government E.C.C.E Center and Read for the Record Day Ambassadors. See Ambassadors names above.
Jumpstart Read for the Record Day
happens ONCE A YEAR in the month of OCTOBER
Bridge Foundation donates books to schools and requests schools to engage in reading centered activities on Read for the Record Day to encourage reading. and promote literacy.
Bridge Foundation provides this preparation guide book and a record sheet to COUNT PARTICIPTION.
Read to Rise
programme happens ALL YEAR ROUND and increases access to
quality books and makes reading exciting and new
habit for students through
building physical classroom libraries for
book placement,
donating a medley of books for student book
exchanges & rotatio,
conducting incentive & positive reinforcement
activities in art, writing & reading for students & supports to teachers
facilitating skill building workshops for parents to enhance their capacity to support their children &
create conducive learning home environments
and partnering with stakeholders to promote
school - community partnerships & provide support to programme
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Snapshots on Read for the Record Day, 2016
Bridge Foundation
Supports the development of young
children through the promotion of literacy
programs that encourage early reading, facilitate
critical skills for learning and implement
evidenced-based practices that support
the growth and development of young
children.
Promotes best practices for children and families
through promotion of model programs and
facilitation of seminars, knowledge fairs,
conferences, research, publications and on-line
information sharing within the areas of early
care and education and in other related sectors
such as youth development, family
support and child welfare.
Strengthens
organizations, impact and effectiveness
through inter-disciplinary capacity
building, technical assistance, program
development and consultation services
Contact Us
www.bridgefoundationtt bridgefoundation.tt@gmail.
com
1868-376-4795
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Snapshots on Read for the Record Day, 2016
READ FOR THE RECORD DAY, 2016 MAYARO READ TO RISE SPONSORED BY BG TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO NOW SHELL | Issue 5
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Snapshots on Read for the Record Day, 2016
READ FOR THE RECORD DAY, 2016 MAYARO READ TO RISE SPONSORED BY BG TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO NOW SHELL | Issue 5
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` Snapshots on Read for the Record Day, 2016