Congratulations to all of the Atlanta BookPALS who have made the 2008/2009 school year an absolute success!
Students in Ms. Graham's second-grade class at T.H. Slater Elementary School in Atlanta listen intently as BookPAL Maria Howell reads to them.
Following is a compilation of comments gathered from both BookPALS and schools. Keep in mind, these are not all of the BookPALS and schools in the program, but just those who sent comments. Please treat yourself to reading them all. Not only will you find many pearls of inspiration within, you will step inside the world of a BookPAL. Enjoy!
BOOKPAL COMMENTS:
CLAUDIA ANTHONY
(ATLANTA)
“Being a BookPAL has once again been a wonderful adventure! It has taken me back to my childhood and into the pages of my favorite books. I have enjoyed reading aloud to kids about standing tall like ‘Molly Lou Melon,’ and being on their best behavior like the kids in room 207 in ‘Miss Nelson is Missing!’ Literacy in schools and at home is very important to the growth of a child. I'm just happy that I've been able to be a part of aiding in that growth!”
JANE BASS
McLENDON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (DECATUR)
"I've been a BookPAL at McLendon Elementary School for several years now and this school year, I tried something new. In addition to reading to Ms. Dickerson-Diallo's kindergarteners, I also worked with Ms. Reznick, the Media Specialist, every Friday for several hours doing Readers' Theater with third, fourth, and fifth-graders. They found it very exciting to perform for the younger grades and their own classmates, even in a rudimentary form.
In addition to dressing up as Mother Goose on March 4th, I was the guest reader for the combined fifth grade's Readathon on May 4th, and dressed as Ma Ingalls to tell a folktale and read 'The Talking Eggs.' Some kids then took the Accelerated Reader test on that book and did very well. It has been a fun year for me, and I trust, for the kids. They are wonderful children. For next year, I'm hoping to do a 45-55 minute production with them of A Midsummer Night's Dream. I want them to feel the power of language as much as possible. Thanks for the opportunity!"
FRANKIE EARLE
CARY REYNOLDS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (DORAVILLE)
"Every year, there are days when I think, "I have something else to do today," and I'll try to get out of reading to my Pre-K class. But, grudgingly, I'll make myself go. After all, I did make a special trip to the library just to get new books. Then it happens. One child, either Bao Ling, or Stetson, or Kateland will react as I read the story about the pirate, the princess, the dinosaur. This incredible feeling will wash over me as I look out of over the faces of these 4 and 5-year-olds. It's as good as being on stage and sensing the audience being moved by my performance and I don't want to leave. I want to read and inspire these kids to delve into books and go places they may never go. On top of that, I get to hug them as I leave. All in all, it's a great way to spend 30 minutes of my day, once a week."
CAROLYN ELLIS
LOVE T. NOLAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (COLLEGE PARK)
"This is my fifth year reading to third and fifth-grade students and I think I learn more every year. One day, I told my third-grade class, 'Today is April 30, the last day of Poetry Month and I am going to read some Mother Goose.' I began with 'Hey, diddle diddle! The cat and the fiddle, The cow jumped over the moon...' A young boy (football player-to-be size) with nice glasses, stood up and raised his hand and said, 'THAT MAKES NO SENSE!'"
KATHRYN FIRAGO
McLENDON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (DECATUR)
"This is the second year I have read to my kindergarten classes at McLendon Elementary and I feel so much more confident, capable, and entertaining. I have grown to admire and like the teachers and their efforts and see what hard work it is to manage this age group. I truly love my BookPALS experience."
ANGIE HARRELL
BURGESS-PETERSON ACADEMY (ATLANTA)
"Well, I am completing my first year with BookPALS and am already looking forward to next year! It's always a pleasure to start the day with the wide-eyes, soft voices and little giggles of a group of elementary schoolers listening to a story! Recently, I decided to read a chapter book to my second-grade class. Many of them said they were already reading chapter books, and with the close of the year around the bend, third grade was on the horizon. So off we went. I selected a book about an Eskimo boy and his relationship with an old man. On day one of the book, I noticed some fidgeting and worried that my choice was too advanced and the lack of pictures was noticeable. Then, I looked over and saw a little boy, so engaged, his eyes wide, glued to me, he seemed to be sitting on the edge of his seat waiting for the next turn in the story. The book began catching on and has given us opportunities to talk about different cultures, climates, relationships, and more. But seeing him at that moment sent a message that for someone, my half hour was important.
Similarly, in my first-grade class, a group always at the ready for a story--we've had several special moments! Recently, I sent a note to the teacher and asked if I could do an acting game after our book, and she said yes. We finished our story in time and I pulled out my 'prop' for the trusty ol' Props Game. The first-graders loved it, each one willingly taking a turn at using the prop as something different than what it really was. It gave us the opportunity to learn a theatre word, too. This week when I returned, the first thing they asked was, "Are we going to play the Props Game?" Their teacher even joined in! The smiles and giggles make it so worth it! Thanks, Cindy!"
BOB HARTER
McLENDON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (DECATUR)
"I really enjoyed reading to Ms. Halley's second-graders all year. Going back to the same class time after time allowed us to get to know each other. I looked forward to each time, and they always greeted me with such excitement! We got to read a longer book over an extended period of time that I never would have been able to read if I were just there for a day. I recommend this to any of you who want to deepen your experience. I got so many great thank-you notes from the kids, too. So cute!"
MARIA HOWELL
T.H. SLATER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (ATLANTA)
"This has been a wonderful experience for me this year at T.H. Slater Elementary School. One of the most rewarding things I experienced was when I actually saw the children making the connection and "getting it." When I would read with "expression" (as they called it), they really enjoyed it. I would assign a student each week to read for the class after I read. I was amazed at how they emulated my style by reading with more expression. It's such a joy to witness a child's positive growth and confidence. One thing is true, when you teach, you also learn. I learned a lot!"
JENNIE INGLIS
JACK P. NIX PRIMARY SCHOOL (CLEVELAND)
"Just last week, I had a student in my second-grade class ask me, 'Miss Inglis, what does it feel like to be a BookPAL?' She asked me in the midst of swirling children. I was so surprised by her question that all I could get out was, 'Good.' I so wish I'd had a chance to say more. This coming Friday will be my last day with them. Maybe I'll answer her question more fully."
NINA JONES
MATT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (CUMMING)
"I had the best listeners ever and received many homemade cards and pictures of their BookPAL"
DOUG KAYE
BURGESS-PETERSON ACADEMY (ATLANTA)
"I had a blast, as usual, with my darling Kindergarteners at Burgess-Peterson. All three classes have been so eager to listen and learn and enjoy, and I'll miss them -- at least for the summer. Most of them will probably see me next year, if they're in the First Grade classes I alternate between each week. We've been through a lot of wonderful books this year, and it has been a delight, as I held up each book that I was about to read to them, to hear more and more of them read out the title to me. Then, almost invariably, one little voice would pipe up from the back: "Who's the author?" I hope they all have a great summer, and I think a few of them might be spending some of that time in the library."
DENNIS KLEIN
RIVER EVES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (ROSWELL)
"My reading experience at River Eves was wonderful in that all the classes I read to were so attentive. My 'Scary Stories' that I make up are always looked forward to by the kids. The first thing that the kids start saying as I walk into the classes is, 'Scary Story! Scary Story!' I have to promise them that we'll do that after I read to them. Sometimes I end the class with 'Simon Says' and this also has become a big hit with the kids and teachers alike. All told, this was another Great BookPALS reading year!"
MARTHA KNIGHTON
HIGH POINT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (ATLANTA)
“I went to read for my last day of this school year and we had such fun! They have now combined the three third grades for me to read to instead of doing them separately. We had a little Tea Party and they presented me with a lovely certificate and a picture of me reading to the group. They had it matted and framed. How sweet was that! This was my seventh year there and I’ve asked for permission to go back next September. Some of the children that I have read to these seven years are now passing through Ridgeview Middle School. This is the school in which I substitute teach. We get so excited when we see each other. Of course, it’s difficult to recognize them. They grow so tall. It has been a great year and I feel so lucky to be able to have the privilege of sharing so many fun books with the children!”
TEMI LEVY
HIGHTOWER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (DORAVILLE)
"I thoroughly enjoyed reading to my wonderful, curious, active, respectful listeners at Hightower Elementary for yet another year. Together, we laughed and learned through Beverly Cleary's Ramona Quimby series, specifically 'Beezus and Ramona' and 'Ramona and Her Father.' These books are filled with a number of teachable moments, both in terms of academic concepts and life lessons. The teachers, Ms. Cook, Ms. Scranage and Ms. Blackman-Austin, were always so gracious and welcoming whenever I showed up to read to their kids. Overall, it was a terrific year, and I look forward to returning in the fall!"
ELISABETH OMILAMI
BROWN'S MILL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (LITHONIA)
"The children and education professionals at Brown's Mill Elementary are priceless! The only problem is me not having enough time to share. This year they went a step further and held a can food and fundraising event for Hosea Feed The Hungry! I have found a home."
MONICA PEARSON
L.P. MILES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (ATLANTA)
"No year is the same because the children and teachers are so different. You have to find better ways to keep the attention of the children and that keeps it fresh for me. It is one of the most uplifting things I do..for myself. You truly become PALS with the children and the teachers. Doing this keeps me young."
Atlanta BookPAL Monica Pearson reads to L.P. Miles students in Ms. Kharod's first-grade classroom.
HEATHER PLACE
NORTON PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (SMYRNA)
"I can't believe another year at Norton Park is winding down--nine years and counting! I was one of the volunteers honored at their last PTA meeting on April 30th, which was very emotional for me. On my last day of reading, I read the Dr. Seuss book, 'The Lorax' on Earth Day. It's amazing how poignant that book is over 30 years after it was written! I ended with "Cinderella" and various versions of the most famous fairy tale of all. The kids love 'Rufferella' and 'Bubba, The Cowboy Prince' to name a few. The kindergarteners surprised me with a book-bag filled with books and decorated with their names and hand prints! Every kindergarten class got me a book inscribed with each student's signature, so that I now have these beautiful books to remember them by. Cindy, thanks for another wonderful year of BookPALS!"
Atlanta BookPAL Heather Place in front of Norton Park Elementary with a book-bag and books that her kindergarteners gave her.
SHERRY RICHARDS
SUWANEE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (SUWANEE)
"One of my fondest experiences was returning to Suwanee Elementary this year. It was my first week back. I was in the cafeteria having lunch with my grandson when a little girl excitedly came up to me and said, "Miss Sherry, Miss Sherry, I planted a watermelon!" Well, it just so happens she was from the kindergarten class I had read to the previous year. One of the books read was "Whose Garden Is It?" After reading, I gave all the children seed packets. Not only did she enjoy the reading, but she actually planted the seeds and grew a watermelon!
This year I read books where I got to animate more. I read to kindergarten and first grade. The children were able to have a livelier experience and really use their own imaginations. Books such as 'Roy Makes A Car' (one that flies clear up to heaven!), 'The Buccaneer Bunnies,' 'Mean Jean, The Recess Queen,' 'To Be A Drum...' They get so excited and their eyes just beam!
Mrs. Deinhart, aware that I authored a book, asked if I would bring in my book to share with her first-graders since she was teaching them how to write their own poetry book. I did and spoke to the children about the different parts of my book such as the book's title, table of contents, about the author, etc. I also read my poem "Momma's Boy." The children loved it and had their own questions to ask me such as my books "Birthday" and if the cover picture was that of myself. They are so smart and amazing. When their books were completed, I had the pleasure of having some of them read to me! Awesome experience!!
Another, in the same sort of vein, was reading to Mrs. Parks Kindergarten class. She had her children write their own storybook. Just beautiful. Mrs. Parks compiled each child's work into their own hardback storybook and shared it with all the parents of her class during Kindergarten Program Day in April. Again, a pleasure having some of the children read to me. Then, on my last day of reading to them, I chose my granddaughters book as the one to read. I also provided both the kindergarten and first-grade class with bookmarks listing all the books I had read to them during the school year. It's been an amazing year!"
PAUL RIEMANN
SCOTT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (ATLANTA)
"BookPALS offers a rare opportunity for volunteers to reach out with their voice and inspire children directly by sharing wonderful stories - and the gratitude which returns from them is a reward beyond measure. I truly believe that the positive impact of a program like BookPALS will echo far into the future lives of many of these wonderful children."
GLORIA STANLEY
(ATLANTA)
"2009 BookPALS in Review by Gloria Stanley
For me, BookPALS reminds me of an EnVogue song, 'Free Your Mind. The members of Atlanta BookPALS have utilized our time and efforts like an outreach to inspire children to Imagine it, to Dream it, to Hope for it, to Reach for it and to Believe it in Metro Atlanta Public School System 2009. We have demonstrated to the children the sky is the limit in what they can do and in what they can achieve through reading. In addition, the BookPALS Team has provided the 'tools of the trade' in the arts in helping children to 'free their minds' in the wonders of storytelling, creativity and music, also. Each year, I believe the bar is raised for our group.
And you, Cindy Tinius, I am certain you have spent relentless days coordinating this year's BookPALS agenda and making certain every actor receive recognition for his or her efforts. This has been a very therapeutic year for me. I am very grateful, and commend you for the 2009 Atlanta BookPALS voyage. A job excellently executed and a mission very well accomplished. I am looking forward to 2010. Thank you for including me on this journey."
MINNIE TEE
NORCROSS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (NORCROSS)
"It is a privilege and an honor to be a part of these students' education. I alternate seven classes on Friday mornings; three kindergarten, one first-grade, one second-grade and two third-grade classes. Each class is totally different; not just the grade level, but the students. They are all delightful! Humbly, I say that when I walk into the classroom, their is a chorus of 'Miss Minnie!' They're all so beautiful that I could just cry. The teachers are remarkable as well. They all love their students and the students love and respect them. What a joy Fridays are!"
SCHOOL COMMENTS:
ATHERTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (DECATUR)
"BookPALS Gloria Stanley and Bob Harter participated in our Black History Month Day of Storytelling. They inspired the students to read and they were very exciting! The readers introduced students to an author that most were not familiar with. The thing I enjoyed most was how the students enjoyed every word. The BookPALS were great! I love your program. Please continue your great work. I look forward to the next year! Thank you, Rhonda Lester, Media Specialist"
BELMONT HILLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (SMYRNA)
"BookPAL Joanna Maddox has come to our class weekly for several months. The children love her! Because my students are English Language learners, her time with us has been especially beneficial. The first time or two she was with us, the students clamored for her to show them pictures. She told them to picture the story in their minds and to use their imaginations. Students transitioned to realizing that SHE really was the story - her voice, her expressions, and her body language. Joanna's interaction with them; learning their names, involving them in repeating phrases, and developing relationships has been such a blessing. We have sincerely enjoyed having Joanna with us! Amy Cain, Second-Grade Teacher"
"What a wonderful opportunity BookPAL Joanna Maddox has given to our students at Belmont Hills! She brings enthusiasm and excitement for reading, which sparks their imagination. Joanna obviously loves books. That is evident and a positive model for all of our students. The children look forward to hearing her each week. She graciously gives of her time and talents, and I cannot say enough about what a blessing it has been to have Joanna read this year! Melissa Tanner, Second-Grade Teacher"
BROWN'S MILL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (LITHONIA)
"Elisabeth Omilami has a special place in the hearts of the staff and
students of Brown's Mill Elementary School. In addition to her participation in the BookPALS Program, she visited our school for special presentations during Black History Month and on Career
Day. Her presentations always include a marvelous history lesson for the children woven together with storytelling, photographs, and songs. Kathleen Lindsay, Media Specialist"
BURGESS-PETERSON ACADEMY (ATLANTA)
"BookPAL Angela Harrell exceeded my expectations because of the quality of work I observed in planning for students. For example, Ms. Harrell has gifts in acting, community involvement, and often shares personal experiences with our students so that she can make a connection with them. Students learned tips and insights about acting, such as the effectiveness of props and how actors use them onstage. During this discussion, Ms. Harrell had students pretend they had a prop and others had to guess what it was. This activity promoted students to think critically, while engaging some hard-to-motivate students to try new things. I enjoyed hearing the stories and observing my students getting excited. Ms. Harrell was very consistent and reliable; so much so that my students would tell me on Fridays that this was the day she was to arrive. Thank you so much for sharing your time with my class! Each time you came, you were excited, patient, open, and willing to laugh with us while we grew. Thanks so much for your sacrifice! Elanja Etheridge, First-Grade Teacher"
"BookPAL Doug Kaye exceeded our expectations once again! Students had the opportunity to develop language and vocabulary. They learned new words by listening to stories. My students learned the connection between the written and printed word, while absorbing a taste for literature. Mr. Kaye assisted in molding my students to becoming readers. I enjoyed the bonding experience my class developed with Mr. Kaye. Reading to them weekly was fun. My class looks forward to seeing him. Thank you, Mr. Kaye, for helping to build my class listening skills and increasing their attention span. BookPALS builds a lifelong interest in reading. We look forward to seeing you next year! Debbie Hughey, Kindergarten Teacher"
"BookPAL Mary Shaw has exceeded my expectations by demonstrating dedication, genuine interest, and dependability. BookPALS is an added diverse experience to the literacy programs at school and provides an opportunity for children to dialogue with off-campus personalities, while promoting literacy. Ms. Shaw provided material she believed would interest the children, yet provided them the opportunities to make choices. We are appreciative of your time and effort, Mary! BookPALS help to bring content and characters to life! Doris McLendon, Second-Grade Teacher"
CARY REYNOLDS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (DORAVILLE)
"BookPAL Frankie Earle engages students in meaningful children's literature with her own unique animation. She chooses books that I would not think to read, thus providing a perspective and sense of humor. Frankie makes the reading come alive! Mr. Terry Allen, Pre-K Teacher"
HIGH POINT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (ATLANTA)
"BookPAL Martha Knighton is the best! Martha has been coming for close to 10 years. She always comes to read to the children with a cheerful, happy heart. Our school is predominantly made up of Hispanic students. Martha's beautiful voice and perfect diction are great role models for students learning English. Martha's sunny disposition brings a smile to all. We love her! Jackie Brown, Third-Grade Teacher"
"BookPAL Martha Knighton provides positive exposure to the community for our students. Many of the children do not have positive role models in their lives. The thing that I enjoy most is seeing the childrens' faces light up when Martha arrives. She is very reliable and consistent. We love you, Martha! Kristin Trenbeath, Third-Grade Teacher"
MATT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (CUMMING)
"BookPAL Nina Jones is a joy to have read to my students! She is always very excited to see the kids and they look forward to her visits. We will miss her this summer! Thank you so much for allowing Nina to read to our class! Tina Misko, Fourth-Grade Teacher"
"My class enjoyed having BookPAL Nina Jones read to them this year. She seemed to enjoy spending time with the kids and she interacted with them very well! Thank you, Nina! Holly Smyre, Fourth-Grade Teacher"
McLENDON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (DECATUR)
"BookPAL Jane Bass went over and above any expectations! Jane worked with me in the library with the weekly Reader's Theater Program. Jane worked with students coaching them and taking them "on the road" to perform, then performing for our own class. It was a fabulous program! The students (from 30 nations plus) with different reading levels and English language skills, received reading and presentation practice. Also, the students, who have very limited exposure to live theater, got to experience being an audience. So many children benefited from the BookPALS Program! Jane was fabulous! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you, Jane! You rock!!! Evi Reznick, Teacher"
"BookPAL Bob Harter engaged the students, while increasing imagination and inspiring students to read. The thing that I enjoy most about Mr. Harter was listening to his interpretation of the characters. We appreciated the book donation from Reading Tree very much! Thank you, Mr. Harter! Great job! We hope that you will return next year. Jeanne-Marie Halley, Second-Grade Teacher"
L.P. MILES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (ATLANTA)
"Again, BookPAL Monica Pearson enlightened a class of first-grade students at L.P. Miles Elementary School with the love of reading, as well as reinforcing their comprehension skills. We would like to thank you, Monica, so much for another great year of assisting us as we produce scholarly readers at Miles! Barbara Heard, Reading Facilitator"
"My class and I had the most unique and exciting experience when Ms. Monica Pearson came to read to our class. She read the Junie B. Jones series to the students. My students were captivated by the enthusiasm and the expressions Ms. Pearson used while she read the books to them. She also motivated the students' reading habits by her simple, yet interesting style. We thoroughly enjoyed this once in a lifetime experience! My class and I would like to thank Ms. Pearson, Ms. Tinius, and Mrs. Heard for making this an exciting as well as a great learning experience for all of us! Ms. Kharod, First-Grade Teacher"
LOVE T. NOLAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (COLLEGE PARK)
"BookPAL Carolyn Ellis provided motivation and encouragement for my students to become avid readers. The books that she read made them more eager to learn about history, current events, and fiction. BookPALS was a great experience for my students as well as myself! Ms. Ellis encourages the students to read more at school and at home, and to use their imaginations. I loved her watching her enthusiasm inspire the students. I think BookPALS is a great asset to the classroom! Toneka Bussey, Third-Grade Teacher"
POWERS FERRY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (MARIETTA)
"BookPAL Cathy Kaemmerlen is such a positive part of the childrens' lives. They look forward to their magical time with her every week. She is so engaging and animated. We are so fortunate to have her share her talent with us. Cathy is also a wonderful role model. We have many latch-key students who don't often have an adult to give them such love and attention. Cathy makes each student in her class feel appreciated. Learning should be fun. The kids don't even realize they are making so many connections for vocabulary and reading comprehension to be used in their imaginations and real-life experiences. Cathy is so fun! I love her creativity, her expressions, and her ability to transform into a character. She has no qualms about being dressed in character as well. We love and appreciate you, Cathy! You are such a fun part of our week, but we also see that you are making a lifelong impact on our students!! Kathy Culbertson, Media Specialist"
"BookPAL Cathy Kaemmerlen is wonderful! She is so engaging and makes the books come alive. She always asks students what they're interested in or what we are studying. My favorite thing is watching Cathy pull out her bag of tricks. She passes around a book character that changes hands after she completes a page. When we visit the Media Center to check out books, the students always want to take home the books that Cathy has read. We really look forward to Ms. Kaemmerlen's visits. The students' vocabulary, listening skills, critical thinking, and love of books has greatly improved because of BookPALS! Nancy Miller, Kindergarten Teacher"
ASA PHILIP RANDOLPH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (ATLANTA)
"The Asa Philip Randolph First-Grade Team appreciated the love and dedication of BookPAL Jeff Gripper! The students enjoyed all of his stories! Thank you to the BookPALS Program for your support. You're the best! Rosalyn Camp, Media Specialist"
SCOTT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (ATLANTA)
"BookPAL Paul Riemann exceeded our expectations! He was very consistent and reliable. It's hard to rank the BookPALS Program because our kids have such low reading skills and vocabulary that I feel any opportunity where they are read to and books and stories are discussed is going to help them. Mr. R would always ask the kids what book they were reading. While Mr. R read out loud, he would stop occasionally and ask students questions about the book, plot, character, foreshadowing, etc. Mr. R has a good relationship with the kids. They hugged him! They would groan with disappointment when his reading time was up. Our school offers some tough customers, meaning their reading is not up to grade level, nor is their vocabulary. Mr. R did a good job of reading the kids to see if things were working well or if he had to shift gears. Mr. R rocks!! He is awesome! Anja Tigges, Media Specialist"
T.H. SLATER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (ATLANTA)
"BookPAL Maria Howell exceeded our expectations! The students enjoyed the interactive reading materials. She kept my busiest students engaged. The thing that I enjoyed most about BookPALS is the inspirational learning. My students enjoyed listening to her and it kept them attentive. Maria, thank you for your enthusiasm and constant support. The children really appreciated your time and effort. We can't wait to see you next year! Mrs. Graham, Second-Grade Teacher"
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