Launching the 2nd Buffalo Sabres Literacy Hub!
And December literacy events for everyone
Last Monday, November 13th, was a banner day for the #WNYLiteracyInitiative as we launched the 2nd Buffalo Sabres Literacy Hub at PS 45 The International School! This endeavor was possible because of the hard work of so many partners:
Thank you to the Buffalo Sabres Foundation for funding the Buffalo Sabres Literacy Hub and prioritizing literacy!
Thank you to Teach My Kid to Read for building and supporting the Literacy Hubs!
The Buffalo Sabres Decodable Literacy Hub at PS #45 Thank you to Superintendent Tonja Williams and Buffalo Public Schools for hosting these hubs and providing equitable access to decodable books for students!
Thank you to Buffalo Public School #45 Principal Jennifer Gkourlias, Librarian Robert Ellis, Literacy Coach Marie Schmitt, and the stellar team of educators!
Thank you to Whole Phonics for moving quickly to publish "Who Will Be King?" a unique decodable book featuring the Buffalo Sabres, the first partnership of its kind (that we know of) between a professional sports team and decodable book publisher! A copy of “Who Will Be King?” was gifted to every student, thanks to the Sabres Foundation.
"Who Will Be King?" - The decodable book published by Whole Phonics and customized for the Buffalo Sabres, Photo on right courtesy of The Buffalo Sabres Thank you to Senator Ryan for speaking at the Literacy Hub launch event!
Thank you to the Buffalo Mayor’s office for your partnerhip and to Deputy Mayor Callie Johnson for speaking at the launch event!
Media Coverage of Buffalo Sabres Literacy Hub
Thank you to Ben Tsujimoto of The Buffalo News for his great coverage of the launch of the 2nd Buffalo Sabres Decodable Literacy Hub, and also to Libby March for photos that convey the sheer joy and excitement of the occasion! If you’re a subscriber, you can find the article here; we’ve posted it on our Facebook Page here, with the full article in the comments.
As Ben said on Twitter:
"Sometimes when pro-athletes visit schools, it's a lot of fanfare and little substance. But last week at International School 45, the hubbub over Sabres players was matched with reading resources vital to Buffalo students' development."
Thanks also to WGRZ for their coverage here.
December Events: Mark Your Calendar!
WNY LIT: Literacy Instructors Together - December 13th Virtual Meeting
Zoom: 6-8pm, Register here
Presentation by Dr. Stephanie Stollar, The Reading Science Academy
“Purposes of Assessment in the MTSS Model for Early Literacy”
This session will outline the four purposes of assessment in the MTSS model of early literacy: universal screening, diagnostic assessment, progress monitoring and outcome evaluation. Characteristics of assessments that work for each purpose will be presented. Participants will be supported to evaluate their current tools against those characteristics. The assessments will be connected to the problem-solving process used to guide decisions in the MTSS model for systems change and student improvement, with a particular emphasis on changing Tier 1 instruction and supporting students with reading disabilities such as dyslexia.
Capital Region Screening of “The Right to Read” & Panel!
Join us at the Hudson Valley Community College at 5pm for a reception and screening of “The Right to Read” followed by a panel discussion about the Science of Reading and improving literacy throughout the Capital Region in schools, districts, and communities. Check out this lineup of panelists who will be joining me:
Host and Moderator, Marion Waldman, Teach My Kid to Read
Ainsley Thomas, Chief Diversity Officer, Hudson Valley Community College
Jeff Smink , Deputy Director, The Education Trust-New York
Tarja Parssinen, Executive Director, WNY Education Alliance
Ken Slentz, Superintendent, The Dobbs Ferry School District with Kathleen Skellie, Director of Curriculum and Marissa Bongo, Secondary teacher, Ballston Spa School District
Erika MacFarlane, Director of Student Intervention Services and Carmella Parente, Director of Teaching and Learning, Schenectady Public School District
Ashara Baker, New York State Director, National Parents Union
Beth Bevars, Library Program Director, Teach My Kid to Read, Director, Lodi Whittier Library
What We’re Reading
Reading Skills of Buffalo Pupils Rebounding But Still Lag - The Investigative Post
The data from Buffalo Schools shows the negative impact that school closures have had on reading proficiency among young students, however, the it also highlights the potential benefits associated with really prioritizing early #literacy skills. We are encouraged by the focus on literacy by BPS, and appreciate their transparency.
The DIBELS data is useful in assessing foundational skills in reading & tracking changes over time. Unfortunately, few districts provide this data. (Assessments are crucial - still have questions? Please attend our 12/13 virtual presentation with Stephanie Stollar, see above.)
Happy Thanksgiving and thanks, as always, for reading!
Tarja