It may not feel like it (yet!), but winter and 2012 are upon us. As January marks Maryland Reading Month, I hope readers of this message are simply taking a break from a great book to check in with us. I really hope you’ll quickly get back to that warm cup-of-something, your snuggly blanket, and uninterrupted time reading whatever it is that makes you most content.
Registration for SoMIRAC’s 40thannual conference has officially opened and it looks to be a stunning one with its array of experts and authors who will be in town to speak each day. Look for special events like the no-cost “Celebration of Literacy Mexican Feast” to be held the first night. Marilyn Barber, conference chair, continues to work hard on pulling the details together, and we are confident that this ruby anniversary event will be one to remember. Register now by clicking on the Conference tab and selecting Online Registration underneath or by completing the form available through the “Conference Registration Form” link located on the main conference page. See you in March!
Leslie Sunderland, President, State of Maryland IRA Council
Fall has arrived and a new road has opened before us. Welcome back, everyone, to another year of literacy learning, advocacy, and fellowship across the state of Maryland. You can trust that SoMIRAC will continue to embrace these things through endeavors like its Everyone Reads campaign, the diligent work of its committees and local councils, and what’s sure to be a highlight—the 40th annual conference in the spring. Examples of initiatives currently underway include SoMIRAC’s active involvement in literacy legislation, increased participation by educators and students of higher education in both the council and its conference, and distribution of lots and lots of free books to children across the state. We are moving forward and evaluating our progress all the time, and we know that county/regional councils from the mountains to the shore are doing the same as they forge ahead, too.
Please join us! As a member you stand to gain a profoundly rich experience whether you are an educator, a parent who cares, or a community member who simply supports a literate Maryland. How might you become involved in SoMIRAC or become involved differently? How might you contribute differently? How might you be a learner of literacy along with us?
We are indeed excited and anticipate a full and productive year in the great tradition of SoMIRAC. Look to our website for membership information and updates. We’ll see you on the road!
Leslie Sunderland, President, State of Maryland IRA Council
Happy January!
It has a little different meaning for those of us in education. Certainly we are celebrating the beginning of a New Year and making resolutions for the next 12 months. As teachers we are also in the middle of the School year, looking at the progress of our students, giving midterms, determining their needs and readjusting our curriculum to help them progress. I have been doing that for our State of Maryland International Reading Association as well this month. We have accomplished much but there is still much to be done.
Each week I receive announcements of great meetings to be held by the local organizations. Informational speakers, book clubs, outreach events are happening almost every week. I enjoy reading the emails and attending the activities I can fit into my schedule. I hope that all of you are taking full advantage of your membership to join in these events.
Governor Martin O'Malley issued an official announcement proclaiming January as Reading Month. I hope your President shared this announcement and you, in turn, shared it with your faculty and administration. Many great things have taken place in honor of Reading Month. Books have been donated to hospitals for newborns, readings for children have taken place at schools, libraries, bookstores, and Malls. A calendar was made available with great activities to allow children to maximize their growth in reading this January. I hope you were part of the celebrations.
I was happy to be part of the dedication of the 1000th home built by Habitat for Humanity in Maryland. It was a joyful occasion and increased my gratitude that we contributed to this project. I hope that you read the article in Reading Today featuring our partnership with Habitat for Humanity. Jane Long has worked tirelessly to organize our participation in their valuable outreach program. The bookcases and bundles of books we have placed in these homes can only increase literacy in Maryland.
Registration began on January 1 for our SoMIRAC Conference, Literacy Without Limits. This will be a wonderful opportunity for professional development and I hope that you have registered to attend. If you haven't, make your plans now. Leslie Sunderland has put together a terrific assembly of speakers with some valuable information to share. It is a terrific time to interact with other teachers from across the state. Bring your Boss to Breakfast and let them see first hand the high quality of experts who will participate in the Conference. You may also see many of our future teachers in attendance. Our Higher Education Committee has made it a priority to bring college students across the state to the Conference. This will allow them to further their education as well as show them the value of joining our State Reading Association, thus insuring the strength of SoMIRAC for the future.
The future may also bring changes to education through legislation such as "Race to the Top". Our Legislative Committee has been in constant contact with our State Representatives to provide input and gain information on this monumental legislation. SoMIRAC Members at the Maryland State Department of Education have been working on the best way to implement the law. Other members have served on committees to look over the curriculum, as well as evaluate the many phases of the program. It is our hope that it will allow education to improve not only in our state, but across the country.
Did you know studies have shown that joining an organization that shares your interest can increase your happiness? You have a chance to engage in fellowship, enjoy conversation on a topic that interests you, interact in something that you find entertaining. It is happiness through community. I know that my involvement in SoMIRAC is a point of happiness in my life, and I hope it is also in yours.
All the best,
Donna Michel, President, State of Maryland IRA Council
It is truly Autumn and the school year is an established part of our daily lives. As you go through your routines, don't forget to renew your Council membership. There is so much happening at SoMIRAC. Teachers As Readers groups are meeting and there are workshops on a wide variety of topics, such as working with ELL students and becoming familiar with the Common Core Curriculum. There are bus trips planned to the Washington Book Festival and information about the Baltimore Book Festival. Keep up with what is happening on Capitol Hill or nominate your school for the Exemplary Reading award. You can join our fellowship in "Read for the Record" or take part in one of our Habitat for Humanity bookcase projects. The possibilities are limitless. Speaking of that, don't forget our annual Conference, "Literacy without Limits", which will take place March 30 through April 1, 2011 at the Hunt Valley Marriott. Our Conference Chair, Leslie Sunderland, has planned an outstanding three days of staff development. And, look for your October/November issue of Reading Today. It will have a beautiful article by John Micklos on our Habitat for Humanity bookcase project. This program was developed by Jane Long, Past SoMIRAC President and current chair of our Family Literacy Committee. SoMIRAC is definitely the organization for those who care about literacy. Join us!
All the best,
Donna Michel, President, State of Maryland IRA Council