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Secondary English Newsletter-6
Volume Six, Issue Six/February Issue 2023-24
English 6-12 PD Day Registration for March 6th
REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR THE MARCH 6TH PD DAY FOR ENGLISH 6-12 TEACHERS
You can register for the March 6th PD Day for English 6-12 Teachers on PDS.
COURSE #69737: English 6-12, March 6, 2024 PD Day
This PD Day for all CCS English 6-12 Educators will feature these sessions.
- Core Instructional Framework-learning experiences
- Literacy Chat #3: comprehension and vocabulary
- 6th-grade dyslexia follow-up
- StudySync lesson planning
- StudySync library exploration for Women's History Month
- Canvas course syncing with learning experiences
- Achieve3000 for Grades 9-11
- Middle and High School book clubs
- CCS Poetry Slam participation/coaching info
- Spruce Run field trips for English
- Narrative comic creation
ALL PARTICIPANTS SHOULD BRING THEIR OWN ELECTRONIC DEVICE. REGISTER BY MARCH 5TH AT 10AM TO BE IN THE RUNNING FOR GIVEAWAYS AND BE ON THE SIGN-IN/OUT SHEETS!!
6TH GRADE TEACHERS: BRING YOUR DYSLEXIA FOLDER FROM LAST PD DAY OR THE PD ON 2/27 TO THE PD FOR THE FOLLOW-UP SESSION!
Black History Month Ideas & Opportunities
NATIONAL AFRICAN AMERICAN READ-IN
Here is a toolkit to prepare you and your classes to be part of the National African American Read-In (AARI): African American Read-In Toolkit - National Council of Teachers of English - NCTE. Join in on the African American Read-In by following these three steps:
- Select Readings: Choose books, speeches, or poems written by African Americans.
- Here are the African American works in StudySync.
- Here are the African American books in the Warehouse or Curriculum Office Book Room.
- Here are books recommended by NCTE.
- Here are books frequently read for AARI.
- Plan and Host Your Event: Read-Ins can happen anywhere from homes to libraries to schools to community centers and beyond, and they can be as simple as bringing together friends to share a book or as elaborate as arranging public readings and media presentations.
- Submit a Host Report Card: Host Reports Cards are used to track the total number of readers and events nationwide each year. This information is compiled in an annual report card. Submit your report card online by March 15, 2024.
Think about doing a Read-In in each class, at the building level, or even invite parents/community members to participate. Have fun celebrating African American authors. StudySync contains over 200 texts by African American authors and you can do a quick library search using the filter feature to find them.
AUTHOR EVENT FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Sheila Williams shares riveting WWII novel on Thursday, February 29th, 7pm. In recognition of Black History Month, Gramercy Books hosts acclaimed author Sheila Williams and features her engrossing historical novel, No Better Time, about a little known aspect of World War II—the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the only Black Women's Army Corps to serve overseas during the conflict. Williams will be in conversation with Demetries Neely, Executive Director and CEO of the King Arts Complex.
Registration for this event is on Eventbrite. The admission fee is waived with the purchase of No Better Time. Register Now!
TEACHROCK WEBINAR
Join TeachRock on Thursday, February 15th at 5:30pm for a free TeachRock edWebinar exploring how music can deepen an understanding of Black history across all subjects including history, English, math, and science. This edWebinar will highlight FREE lessons on TeachRock.org that demonstrate how music can deepen an understanding of Black history across all subjects including history, English, math, and science. The featured TeachRock lessons facilitate the exploration of the cultural context of various music genres, including gospel, blues, salsa, and hip hop, and emphasize music as a vehicle for storytelling, resistance, and celebration within the African American community. REGISTER HERE
Registration is Open for the District Poetry Slam
2024 POETRY SLAM-APRIL 27TH
The registration is open for the 2024 CCS District Poetry Slam which will happen on April 27th!! Now is the time to form and prep your school's team!
Middle School Poetry Slam Rules
1. Each middle school may bring a total of eight (8) poets.
2. Each middle school will have four slots or times to perform (four individual and/or group poems total).
3. The same rules apply as in the high school slam:
- No props, costumes, instruments, or music.
- There is a three minute time limit with a ten second grace period.
4. No poet may perform in more than two poems (for instance, a poet may perform one individual poem and one group poem, or in two group poems.
5. Group poems may not have more than six (6) poets on stage at once.
6. Poets may bring their typed poem up on stage (there will be a music stand).
7. Poems must be school appropriate.
High School Poetry Slam Rules
1. Each high school may bring a total of six (6) poets.
2. Each high school will have four individual slots or times to perform (four poems total—one per poet).
3. The same rules apply as in the middle school slam:
- No props, costumes, instruments, or music.
- There is a three minute time limit with a ten second grace period.
4. Poets may bring their typed poem up on stage (there will be a music stand).
5. Poems must be school appropriate.
Optional High School Group Poetry Rules
There will be an optional group poem competition for the high school slam. Group poems follow the same rules as above, but schools may only have up to six poets on stage. The high school group poems will be performed prior to intermission.
Judging
There are five judges who will score the poems on a scale of 0-10 (out to one decimal point). The scores are not shown to the audience (which is different than a traditional slam).
Trophies and Medals
“Sandy Cox” Memorial Trophy-Winning High School Team
CCS Middle School Trophy-Winning Middle School Team
Medals-Top Three Middle and High School Teams
Medals-Top Three Middle and High School Poets
Medals-Top High School Group Poem
POETRY SLAM TEAM FIELD TRIP TO SPRUCE RUN
MARCH 21st is the day for the Poetry Slam Team Building & Writing Field Trip to Spruce Run. Any team who has registered or plans to register is welcome to bring their team for some bonding and writing practice. Busing will be provided by the distict. Here is the Spruce Run Registration Form. The deadline to register for the field trip is March 8th.
Power of the Pen Tournament Results
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR STUDENTS, TEAMS, AND COACHES!!!
The Power of the Pen Central District 1 Tournament was held at Circleville High School on January 27th!! Six Columbus City Middle Schools (Berwick, Columbus Africentric, Dominion, Indianola, Ridgeview, and World Language) competed with 11 other schools from across central Ohio. Each school could bring a team of up to six 7th graders and a team of up to six 8th graders. Students competed only against others in their grade level. Students spent the morning in three 40-minute extemporaneous rounds of writing. In each round, they responded creatively to a different open-ended prompt. Both individual and team awards were given and several students will be moving on to the Central Region Tournament. Congratulations to these schools, students, and coaches who placed at the tournament adn w! CCS schools swept the top three spots in the 7th Grade Division, placed 2nd in the 8th Grade Division, and had 12 students (six 7th graders and six 8th graders) finish in the top 12 Individual Writers.
7th Grade TEAM
1st-Dominion
2nd-Ridgeview
3rd-World Language
8th Grade TEAM
2nd-Dominion
7th Grade INDIVIDUAL
2nd-Isa VanKuiken (Dominion); Regional Qualifier
3rd-Scotlyn Hensley (World Language); Regional Qualifier
4th-Zakiya Obayuwana (World Language); Regional Qualifier; Best of Round & Director's Choice Winner
5th-Mia Herbeck (Dominion); Regional Qualifier
7th-Oliver Kinder (Ridgeview); Regional Qualifier
9th Lilyana Dobelle (Ridgeview); Regional Qualifier
8th Grade INDIVIDUAL
2nd-Darcy Hazzard (Indianola); Regional Qualifier; Best of Round Winner
4th-Jacob Meland (Ridgeview); Regional Qualifier
5th-Jane Wootton (Dominion); Regional Qualifier
6th-Madeline Marsh (Indianola); Regional Qualifier; Best of Round Winner
10th-Natalie Shaull (Dominion); Regional Qualifier
11th-Gianna Lumpkin (World Language); Regional Qualifier
In addition to the student identified above as moving on to the Central Region Tournament, these students will also be competing at regionals.
Berwick Alternative: Faye Pauletta
Columbus Africentric: Nariya Jackson
Dominion: Eva Yockey, Parker Lowry, Asa Thomson-Boswell, Harper Kelley, Niko Hardwick, Rosie Price, Matilda Oaks
Indianola Informal: Molly Guldan, Wren Janson-Tidd, Ivy Morrison
Ridgeview: Samarah Beaty, Johnny Wulff (Best of Round Winner), Madeline Newman, Zane Gravely, Asher Knotts
World Language: Sofia Kauffman, Maya Urban-Jesser, Zia C-Heathcook, Phoenix Jacquet, Jazmyn Luis, Myaliyah Awale
State Qualifiers-JustWrite Ohio Tournament
STATE QUALIFIERS ANNOUNCED
On December 2nd, students from CAHS, Eastmoor Academy, Fort Hayes, Independence, and Northland competed in the first JustWrite Ohio Columbus City Regional Tournament. Students were challenged to respond to one poetry prompt prior to the competition and three creative writing prompts during the competition. Students were divided into two divisions: Division One (9-10th graders) and Division Two (11-12th graders). Students in Division One wrote in Narrative Nonfiction, Fantasy, and Historical Fiction genres. Students in Division Two wrote in Realistic Fiction, Classic Horror, and Science Fiction genres. On January 1st, all of the STATE TOURNAMENT QUALIFIERS from the Columbus City Regional Tournament were announced. CONGRATULATIONS TO THESE 16 STUDENTS WHO QUALIFIED FOR THE STATE TOURNAMENT!!
Division One
Caren Adjei, Independence (creative writing)
Niciya Austin, Fort Hayes (creative writing)
Amaya Brown, Fort Hayes (creative writing)
Ryder Caudill, Fort Hayes (poetry and creative writing)
Cadence Hensel, Fort Hayes (poetry and creative writing)
Jayah Hunt, Fort Hayes (poetry and creative writing)
Shyla Nutt, Fort Hayes (creative writing)
Division Two
Saja Al-Hashemi, CAHS (poetry and creative writing)
Akilah Bayless-Sizemore, Eastmoor Academy (creative writing)
Kim'Mya Byrd-Green, Eastmoor Academy (creative writing)
Houley Koundourou , CAHS (creative writing)
Sloan Mercerhill, Fort Hayes (creative writing)
Lucie Miller, Fort Hayes (poetry and creative writing)
Fennic Milner, CAHS (creative writing)
Brillyant Moore, Northland (poetry and creative writing)
Amaiya Moorer, Eastmoor Academy (creative writing)
The state competition will be held on May 9th at the University of Findlay.
Newer Items & Events
UPDATES FROM ODEW
SCIENCE OF READING PD REQUIREMENT UPDATE
Under Section 265.330(A)(2) of House Bill 33 of the 135th General Assembly, districts and schools shall require all teachers and administrators to complete a course provided by the Department not later than June 30, 2025, except that any teacher or administrator who has previously completed similar training, as determined by the Department, shall not be required to complete the course.
-The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce has made available multiple professional development courses to meet the requirements in state law. Multiple course pathways, based on educators’ primary role, grade band served, and previously completed trainings, have been designed to fit individual educator needs.There are two pathways for Secondary English teachers.
- Pathway C: Ohio’s Introduction to the Science of Reading, Grades 6-12 Course (Ready NOW)
- Pathway D: Ohio’s Introduction to the Science of Reading Course, Grades 6-12 [Abbreviated version for teachers who completed prior coursework (e.g. Dyslexia Modules) will be ready soon.]
-Under state law, stipends are available for the coursework. ODEW aims to provide additional information on the distribution of available funds to districts and schools in the next few months.
- $1,200 for each of the following:
- An English language arts teacher of grades six through twelve;
- An intervention specialist, English learner teacher, reading specialist, or instructional coach who serves any of grades pre-kindergarten through twelve.
- $400 for each teacher who teaches a subject area other than English language arts in grades six through twelve.
DYSLEXIA COURSEWORK UPDATE (Secondary)
Ohio's Introduction to Dyslexia, Grade 4-12 Course is now available through the Learning Management System. (Instructions for Accessing the Introduction to Dyslexia Course, Grade 4-12)
AI READINESS
Guidance and Resources to Advance AI Readiness in Ohio Schools toolkit is a practical guide for developing policies and recommendations to help prepare all Ohio students for jobs in an increasingly AI-driven world.
2ND & 7'S COLUMBUS KIDS' BOOK BANK-GET FREE BOOKS FOR YOUR CLASSROOM
2nd & 7's Columbus Kids' Book Bank is able to provide teachers an opportunity to request multiple copies of the same book at NO CHARGE for classroom curriculum, reading groups, book clubs or gifts to students. These books are new and diverse titles mostly donated from The Junior Library Guild.
A majority of the books are for middle school and high school readers.
Shop the book bundles at https://bookbank.secondandseven.com/request-books/book-bundles/.
You will receive an email when your request has been fulfilled and you can pick up your request at the Columbus Kids' Book Bank, 7949 N High St., Ste B.
They have Book Giveaway Evenings on the third Tuesday of each month during the school year from 3-6pm.
6TH GRADE ENGLISH TEACHER DYSLEXIA PD
If you are a 6th Grade English Teacher who DID NOT attend the Dyslexia PD Session at the January 16th PD Day at Fort Hayes, you have two chances to make-up this session on Tuesday, February 27th from either 7:30am-10:30am OR 11:30am-2:30pm at Southland Center, Room 820. The Literacy Department is paying for substitutes to allow you to attend. Building principals will be getting information via the Leader Board and email about how to request a sub for you via that funding. You must register by Monday, February 12th to attend and get sub coverage!!
#69593 6th Grade Dyslexia PD Makeup Session
6th Grade Dyslexia PD Makeup-MORNING Session 7:30-10:30am (Register)
6th Grade Dyslexia PD Makeup-AFTERNOON Session 11:30am-2:30pm (Register)
HERE IS THE ATTENDANCE LIST FROM THE DYSLEXIA SESSION ON JANUARY 16TH. IF YOU ARE LISTED AND DID NOT ATTEND THE SESSION, PLEASE CONSIDER ATTENDING ONE OF THE MAKE-UP SESSIONS.
STUDYSYNC RELEASES LIST OF TEXTS ADDED TO THE STUDYSYNC LIBRARY IN 2023
LITERACY STRATEGIES & INTERVENTIONS FROM PANORAMA
AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION 2024 YOUTH MEDIA AWARDS
A list of some of the 2024 award winners and honor selections follows. See ALL winners here.
John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children's literature: “The Eyes and the Impossible" by Dave Eggers
Randolph Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children: “Big" by Vashti Harrison
Coretta Scott King (Author) Book Award recognizing an African American author and illustrator of outstanding books for children and young adults.
“Nigeria Jones,” written by Ibi Zoboi, is the King Author Book winner. “An American Story,” illustrated by Dare Coulter and written by Kwame Alexander, is the King Illustrator Book winner.
Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Author Award: “There Goes the Neighborhood,” written by Jade Adia
Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Illustrator Award: “We Could Fly,” illustrated by Briana Mukodiri Uchendu
Coretta Scott King – Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement: Christopher Paul Curtis
Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in literature written for young adults: “The Collectors: Stories,” edited by A.S. King
- Four Printz Honor Books also were named: “Fire from the Sky,” written by Moa Backe Åstot; “Gather,” written by Kenneth M. Cadow; “The Girl I Am, Was, and Never Will Be: A Speculative Memoir of Transracial Adoption,” written by Shannon Gibney; and “Salt the Water,” written by Candice Iloh.
Schneider Family Book Award for books that embody an artistic expression of the disability experience: “The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn,” written by Sally J. Pla, is the winner for middle grades (ages 9 to 13); “Forever Is Now,” written by Mariama J. Lockington, is the winner for teens (ages 14-18).
Alex Awards for the 10 best adult books that appeal to teen audiences: The 2024 Alex Award winners are: “Bad Cree,” by Jessica Johns; “Chain-Gang All-Stars,” by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah; “Chlorine,” by Jade Song; “Fourth Wing,” by Rebecca Yarros; “The Hard Parts: A Memoir of Courage and Triumph,” by Oksana Masters; “I Will Greet the Sun Again,” by Khashayar J. Khabushani; “Maame,” by Jessica George; “Starter Villain,” by John Scalzi; “The Talk,” by Darrin Bell; and “Whalefall,” by Daniel Kraus.
Children’s Literature Legacy Award honors an author or illustrator whose books, published in the United States, have made, over a period of years, a substantial and lasting contribution to literature for children through books that demonstrate integrity and respect for all children’s lives and experiences. The 2024 winner is Pam Muñoz Ryan.
Margaret A. Edwards Award for lifetime achievement in writing for young adults: The 2024 winner is Neal Shusterman.
Pura Belpré Awards honoring Latinx writers and illustrators whose children's and young adult books best portray, affirm and celebrate the Latino cultural experience: “Mexikid: A Graphic Memoir, illustrated by Pedro Martín, is both the 2024 Pura Belpré Youth Illustration and Author Award winner.
The Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award for most distinguished informational book for children: “The Mona Lisa Vanishes: A Legendary Painter, a Shocking Heist, and the Birth of a Global Celebrity,” written by Nicholas Day is the 2024 Sibert Award winner.
Stonewall Book Awards - Mike Morgan & Larry Romans Children’s & Young Adult Literature Award given annually to English-language works of exceptional merit for children or teens relating to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender experience. “Cross My Heart and Never Lie,” written and illustrated by Nora Dåsnes is the 2024 recipient of the Mike Morgan & Larry Romans Children's Literature Award. “Only This Beautiful Moment,” written by Abdi Nazemian is the 2024 recipient of the Stonewall Book Awards – Mike Morgan & Larry Romans Young Adult Literature Award.
William C. Morris Award for a debut book published by a first-time author writing for teens: "Rez Ball," written by Byron Graves, is the 2024 Morris Award winner.
YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults: “Accountable: The True Story of a Racist Social Media Account and the Teenagers Whose Lives It Changed,” written by Dashka Slater.
American Indian Youth Literature Awards are announced in even years (e.g. 2022, 2024, 2026) and were established to identify and honor the very best writing and illustrations by and about American Indians and Alaska Natives. Selected titles present American Indians in the fullness of their humanity in the present and past contexts. This year’s winners include: Middle Grade Book: “We Still Belong,” written by Christine Day (Upper Skagit); Young Adult Book: “Rez Ball,” written by Byron Graves (Ojibwe).
Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature. The award promotes Asian/Pacific American culture and heritage and is awarded based on literary and artistic merit. The award offers three youth categories including Picture Book, Children’s Literature and Youth/Young Adult Literature. The award is administered by the Asian Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA), an affiliate of the American Library Association. The Children’s Literature winner is “Ruby Lost and Found,” written by Christina Li. The Youth/Young Adult Literature winner is “I'd Rather Burn Than Bloom,” written by Shannon C. F. Rogers.
The Sydney Taylor Book Award is presented annually to outstanding books for children and teens that authentically portray the Jewish experience. Presented by the Association of Jewish Libraries since 1968, the award encourages the publication and widespread use of quality Judaic literature. This year’s Gold Medalists include: Middle Grade winner: “The Dubious Pranks of Shaindy Goodman,” by Mari Lowe; Young Adult winner: “The Blood Years,” by Elana K. Arnold.
SOME NEWER ARTICLES
Should we grade students on the individual reading standards?
Shakespeare's House: A Window Onto His Life and Legacy
Does the science of reading include middle school?
How Can We Take Advantage of the Reading-Writing Relationship?
How an AI-Powered Tool Accelerated Student Writing
Protocols That Get All Students Talking in Class Discussions
Curriculum for Secondary English Courses
Overview Video
- This ENGLISH 6-12 CURRICULUM OVERVIEW VIDEO gives you an overview for Secondary English Curriculum.
Curriculum Maps & Folders
Every District English course has a Curriculum Map with a Scope and Sequence detailing a pathway through the course using adopted resources, and each course has a Course Folder with standard, novel, language, and strategy resources. You can find the Curriculum Maps and Course Folders in the places listed below.
1-Linked in these Google Docs:
2-On the English 6-12 Webpage: Use the Curriculum/Instructional Resources Quick Links on the ELA 6-12 Webpage for easy navigation to English Curriculum Maps and Folders.
NOTE: The ELA 6-12 Webpage Quick Links offer much more than the Google Doc with Links for your curriculum needs. They offer teaching strategies, guiding docs, and help with standards, testing, and more. To access many curricular and district items, you must be logged into Google using your CCS credentials and not a personal account.
Secondary Literacy Plan
- The CCS Secondary Literacy Plan provides teaching strategies/PD (how to teach) that can be used with the texts/lessons from your adopted resources (what to teach) to address these components of the plan: Academic Language, Reading Comprehension, Writing Competency, and Classroom Discussion. It is rooted in Ohio’s Plan to Raise Literacy Achievement and guided by the Adolescent Simple View of Reading. The plan spans from intermediate literacy that crosses curricular areas to disciplinary literacy that reflects the demands of specific disciplines while allowing for individualized intensive interventions, as needed. Inherent in the plan is that students are reading, writing, and discussing every day in classrooms.
- CCS Secondary Literacy Plan Info Page
Adopted, Intervention, and Supplemental Resources for Secondary English Courses
Course Descriptions and Adopted Curriculum Resources Lists
- Course Resource Spreadsheet with Visuals
- CCS Adopted, Supplemental, and Intervention Resources List
- Course Descriptions Quick Link
Adopted and Intervention Resources
The TIER 1 Instructional Resources
StudySync: English 6-12, Alternate English courses, and some Electives
- StudySync Info Page (access, tutorials, trainings, and more)
- StudySync Webinars (register for live Webinars)
Bedford Texts/Launchpad: Honors and AP English
- Bedford/Launchpad Info Page (access, tutorials, trainings, and more)
- Some Elective Courses will have single resource adoptions.
The TIER II/Tier III Intervention Resources and Courses
Resources
- iReady Pathways (6-8) These are below grade level and based upon BOY and MOY. They should not be used for Core instruction.
- Progress to Success (9-12) You can request copies by emailing Carla Mae Phillips.
- Achieve3000 (9-11) Achieve3000 Quick Link
Courses
- Core Enrichment (6-8) This course can be used for Tiers II/III Intervention.
- College/Career Ready Literacy (6-12) This course can be used for Tiers II/III Intervention.
- OST Test Prep-English (9-12) This course uses Springboard's Reading and Writing Workshop books. You can request copies by emailing Carla Mae Phillips.
Supplemental Resource
TeachingBooks is the site where the lists of novels available for teacher use from the warehouse, the curriculum office, in StudySync, and in Course Folders, are found.
- TeachingBooks Info Page (access, tutorials, trainings, and more)
- Accessing Novels (Digital and Hard Copy)
Canvas Integration
If you teach English 6-12 or an alternate English credit-bearing course (e.g. Humanities English 9 or 10, Humanities Language Arts 8, Major British Writers Seminar, African American Literature, Women's Literature, Shakespeare's Literature, etc.), you will need to pair your Canvas courses with your StudySync courses. This will give you access to the Curriculum Map divided into Modules and allow for StudySync to sync assignments and grades. Use the orientation video and document below to learn how to integrate Canvas and StudySync.
Spotlight on Achieve3000
ACHIEVE3000 PD SESSION FOLLOW-UP
ACHIEVE3000 OVERVIEW VIDEO
SHOUT OUT TO SCHOOLS DOING THE LEVELSET & TROPHY COMPETITION
Grades 9-11 began the Achieve3000 LevelSet this month. This year we asked social studies teachers to carry the load with LevelSet. A special shout out to the following schools who have so far completed LevelSet with near, at, or above 50 percent of students.
- Northland High School
- Mifflin High School
- Whetstone High School
Your Achieve3000 bags filled with swag are headed your way!
ACHIEVE3000 HELP SESSIONS/NEWSLETTER
Attend an Achieve3000 Learning Session
- For teachers: Click here to sign-up for Drop-In Office Hours (15-minute Zoom sessions)!
Review the February Newsletter
2023 OST Report with Recommended Actions
The CCS 2023 OST Report with Recommended Actions is available on the English 6-12 Webpage at the Standardized Testing Quick Link. Take a look at it to see how the district is performing on the ELA 6-8 & 10 Tests. Here are a few overall data points.
- When comparing the 2023 data to pre-pandemic numbers, it should be noted that students taking the ELA 7 & 8 tests matched or exceeded the 2018-19 proficiency results (7th-36%; 8th-30%) with the ELA 8 scores being the highest recorded on the OST at that grade level, and the students taking the ELA 10 test were only 1% behind the scores in 2018-19. This growth is exciting, but still does not mean our students are college and career ready. The writing scores for both the argument and information essays are bleak. Out of a possible 10 points on the essays, our students are averaging 3.45 points on both their Argument and Informational compositions.
- While the state scores in Grades 6-8 & 10 average at 59% proficiency, CCS averages at 30% (up slightly from 28% in 2022). This means that an average of 70% of our students at all grade levels (6th-75%, 7th-64%, 8th-70%, 10th-71%) are scoring at the Limited & Basic levels and only 9-13% of students (6th-13%, 7th-18%, 8th-10%, 10th-9%) are scoring Advanced or Accelerated.
- The percentage scored on single Reading questions on the OST ranged from 13% to 73% and averaged 46% for Literary Text and 40% for Informational Text on Released Questions.
- The weakest area in the writing section of the 2023 OST for all grade levels was EVIDENCE/ ELABORATION (worth 4 points on both the Argument and Informational Essay Rubrics).
StudySync/Literacy PD & Professional Articles
STUDYSYNC WEBINARS
FEBRUARY
Monday February 5, 2024
- 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM The Coaching Cycle Tools: Pathways to StudySync Success Register Now
Tuesday February 6, 2024
- 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM Differentiate for All Learners: Supporting Students with IEPs Register Now
Wednesday February 7, 2024
- 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM Assessments: Customize and Create Assessments to Fit Your Classroom Needs Register Now
Monday February 12, 2024
- 2:30 PM - 3:00 PM Spotlight Skills: Build a Solid Foundation in Any Standard Register Now
Tuesday February 13, 2024
- 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM Differentiate for All Learners: EL/ELL Development Resources Register Now
Thursday February 15, 2024
- 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM Assessments: How to Create Reports and Respond to Data in StudySync Register Now
Tuesday February 20, 2024
- 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM Fluency Units & Lessons Register Now
Thursday February 22, 2024
- 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM American & British Literature Courses Register Now
Monday February 26, 2024
- 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM Classroom Rebound: Making Learning Leaps with StudySync Register Now
Wednesday February 28, 2024
- 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM Lesson Planning with StudySync Register Now
Friday March 1, 2024
- 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM How Administrators Can Best Utilize StudySync Register Now
STUDYSYNC COACHES' COMMUNITY SESSIONS
VALENTINA GONZALEZ-Making Texts Accessible to Middle and High School Students
-February 21, 2024, at 12:00 noon ET Register Today!
THE SCIENCE OF READING-DR. TIMOTHY SHANAHAN
-Watch the live recording of Dr. Timothy Shanahan's session on the Science of Reading. Watch the Recording
-Learn how StudySync supports the Science of Reading. Read this comprehensive blog post to help you connect your teachers with relevant resources. Read the Blog
OHIO LITERACY ACADEMY ON DEMAND
Literacy Academy on Demand from the Ohio Department of Education offers easily accessible professional learning about literacy for grades K-12. In each short course, educators will find:
- A short video from a nationally recognized expert on literacy instruction;
- Resources and tools to use in the classroom, coaching sessions or team meetings;
- Reflection questions to help review current practices and implement new learning; and
- Additional resource recommendations to expand educator learning.
Courses should take 30-60 minutes to complete. Users can take one or two courses to learn about a specific topic or multiple courses to get a more comprehensive understanding of literacy instruction and concepts.
Grades 6-12 Courses: All educators in middle and high school, including content area teachers, can play a significant role in improving students' reading, writing and communication. These courses can benefit teachers, coaches, directors and administrators who support classroom instruction, and any educator who wants to learn more about adolescent literacy.
TEACHINGBOOKS WEBINAR & FEBRUARY ITEMS
Whether you are a PreK-12 educator, school librarian, public librarian or work in higher education there are tools, resources and materials for you. Register
Meet-the-Author Recording: Revolution in Our Time: The Black Panther Party's Promise to the People with Kekla Magoon Prompted by the lack of accessible resources a decade ago, author Kekla Magoon embarked on years of research, delving into libraries, museums, and archives across the country to write a comprehensive book about the Black Panther Party aimed at young adults. Her multiple award-winning title, Revolution in Our Time: The Black Panther Party’s Promise to the People (Candlewick, 2021) not only provides context for the Black Panther movement but highlights their multifaceted efforts, from political activism to community empowerment. Listen To This Recording.
NOTE: Copies of this text are available for checkout in the Curriculum Office Lending Library.
RECORDED STUDYSYNC PD & ARTICLES
StudySync for New Users (1:58:28)
- Target Audience: English 6-12 Teachers who are new to StudySync (Adopted Resource)
The Reading Routine: Reading and Rigor in StudySync (54:50) Passcode: +p5mbg.M
- Target Audience: English 6-12 Teachers
From Tweets to Tomes: How Students Write in StudySync (60:00)
- Session Resources: Extended Writing Project; Data-driven Decision Making + EWP; Conducting Impactful Student Conferences; Student Generated Questions; Metacognitive Skill Building; Ongoing Self-Assessment Document; Tips for writing every day
- Target Audience: English 6-12 Teachers
Spark Collaborative Conversations Using StudySync (61:00)
- Slides Link and Resources: Slide Deck; StudySync TV; SyncTV 2 Column Chart
- Target Audience: English 6-12 Teachers
Scaffolding in StudySync (63:36) Passcode: kE#d9G6J
- Target Audience: English 6-12 Teachers
STUDYSYNC ARTICLES/RESOURCES
STUDYSYNC'S STUDENT HELP CENTER NEW
Mid-Year Reflection Coaches' Tool
StudySync Continuum of Practice
Spotlight Skills in a Workshop Model
Getting Started with Foundational Skills
Digital Literacy Units: Watch this video to learn how to deliver these mini-units.
StudySync Supports the Science of Reading Video
Exploring the Role of StudySync Vocabulary in the Science of Reading
Blast + Texts Pairings: Thrilling Tales
Close Reading: StudySync's Routine
Writing Every Day with StudySync: 3 Tips for the New School Year,
Interpreting StudySync in the Classroom
About the AI Series AI Literacy Lessons and ELA Blasts are coming soon, and will explore its history and explain what it means for your classroom.
Visit the StudySync Blog for articles on curriculum resources, program authors' tips, StudySync's pedagogy, and more.
Some Teacher Opportunities
OCTELA 24 CONFERENCE
Raising Our Voices: How Place and Space Shape Us as Writers and Thinkers
Saturday, March 2, 2024 with an evening event on March 1; Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center
- Tom Romano, Friday Evening Speaker
- Kelly Gallagher, Saturday Morning Speaker
- Robin Echols Cooper, Saturday Luncheon Speaker
- Dave Lucas, Saturday Afternoon Speaker
Learn more at the Conference Registration page.
NCTE NEEDS REVIEWERS
This year, NCTE was thrilled by the tremendous number of students nominated for two of our Student Writing Awards: The Achievement Awards in Writing and the Promising Young Writers contests. Each decades-old contest encourages and celebrates student writing for eighth graders (Promising Young Writers) and tenth and eleventh graders (Achievement Awards in Writing). Because of the incredible response to each award, additional reviewers are crucial to this year’s celebration. In order for each student to have a thoroughly evaluated submission, NCTE requires at least four times as many judges as we currently have for the Achievement Awards in Writing and twice as many judges as we currently have for Promising Young Writers. NCTE asks you to participate in this annual occasion by volunteering to serve as a reviewer for one or both contests. If you are able to participate, please complete this short form by Sunday, February 25. Submissions and grading criteria will be provided within one business day of completing the form. The deadline for submission reviews is Sunday, April 14.
PD OFFERINGS FROM NBCT IN CCS
- Presenter: Carolyn Willis
- Date/Time: February 21 from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
- Location: Columbus Gifted Academy, Room 103 or Library
- Target Audience: ELA teachers 4th - 8th
- In this presentation, I will share various graphic organizers and writing strategies to help students with the organization of textual-based paragraphs and essays. Please bring a laptop or personal computer. We will also be exploring how to access and evaluate writing scores on the Cambium OST website as well as looking at a new resource to help prepare for the OST test.
Writing for the OST Register in PDS
Presenter: Tahnda M. Hawkins
Date/Time: March 7 from 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location: Champion Middle School, Room 218
Target Audience: Middle and High School teachers
We will analyze the released writing exemplars from the OST. We will analyze the writing prompts, rubrics, and writing exemplars from the OST released items. We will look at the differences between essays scored a 10 and an 8 or a 6. We will look at where CCS students typically score and talk about what our students need to move to the next level. We will talk about how we can use the last few weeks to refine our writing.
- Presenter: Kriston Crombie Stotik
- Date/Time: March 5 from 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Location: Centennial High School Room 211
- Target Audience: High School English and Social Studies teachers
- I will show High school teachers how to use film and images to help students process and analyze texts. I will begin with images, the move to film, before finally transitioning to printed text.
OHIO WRITERS' CONFERENCE 2024
Learn more or Register for the Ohio Writers' Association Conference happening on May 4th at the OSU Fawcett Center HERE. Presenters and Keynotes include Danika Bloom, Andrew Welsh-Huggins, and Danielle D. Smith.
INFO FROM ODEW
- College Credit Plus Teacher Credentialing Grants aim to increase the number of high school teachers credentialed to teach College Credit Plus coursework at their local high schools. Applications are due March 1.
- Introduction to Dyslexia Course (Log into OHID, then select the Learning Management System App to find the modules.)
- Registration open for Midwest Black Male Educator Summit
- INFOhio added new instructional materials to Open Space
OHIOANA BOOK FESTIVAL
Ohioana is excited to announce the authors and illustrators for the 2024 Ohioana Book Festival, to be held Saturday, April 20, at Columbus Metropolitan Library's Main Library. With something for every reader of every age, it's a book lover's dream. Click here to see the complete list: https://www.ohioana.org/the-2024-ohioana-book-festival.../
2024 CARNEGIE AUTHOR SERIES ANNOUNCED
The Columbsu Metropolitan Library announced their 2024 Carnegie Author Series. Join them for talks with engaging national authors, free and open to all.
- February 18, 2pm: Brendan Slocumb Symphony of Secrets
- April 7, 2pm: Rebecca Yarros Iron Flame
- May 19, 2pm: Lisa Scottoline The Truth about the Devlins
- September 8, 2pm Abby Jimenez Just for the Summer
- October 6, 2pm: Stephen Graham Jones The Angel of Indian Lake
- December 8, 2pm: Dr. Matthew Desmond Poverty, By America
Register and Check Out More Info Here: https://ow.ly/psBe50QpeN6.
FOLGER SHAKESPEARE LIBRARY OPPORTUNITIES
- Folger Book Club via Zoom – Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi on Thursday, February 1 at 6:30pm This session will feature a presentation by Ivie Orobaton, a Researcher and Exhibition Specialist for the Center for the Study of Global Slavery at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture actively working on the “In Slavery’s Wake” exhibition project. Participation is free. Click here to reserve your spot. Register for the discussion. Future Book Club Titles: Daughters of the Deer by Danielle Daniel Thursday, March 7 at 6:30 p.m.; Immortal Longings by Chloe Gong Thursday, April 4 at 6:30 p.m.; The East Indian by Brinda Charry Thursday, May 2 at 6:30 p.m.; The Latinist by Mark Prins Thursday, June 6 at 6:30 p.m.
- “Juicy Hamlet Lessons from the Creators of The Folger Guide to Teaching Hamlet’s 5-Week Unit” on February 21, 2024, at 8:00 pm Virtual on Zoom Register Now!
- Camille T. Dungy, BLOOM: A Virtual Poetry Workshop, February 26, 2024 | 6:30pm (ET) Virtual on Zoom In this virtual workshop acclaimed poet and essayist Camille T. Dungy, along with a horticulturalist, will present a generative poetry workshop with a botanical theme. Sign up
NCTE OPPORTUNITIES
- Submit a proposal for NCTE’s Annual Convention (November 21–24, 2024, in Boston)
- Apply to become part of the NCTE Research Foundation’s Cultivating New Voices among Scholars of Color (CNV) program, designed to provide two years of support, mentoring, and networking opportunities for early career scholars of color.
- Nominate yourself or a colleague for a Leadership Award.
NCTE is forming five new cohorts of the This Story Matters Teacher Corps!
Each cohort will learn in collaboration with one another, a facilitator, and an NCTE staff member to create, review, and improve rationales that will expand NCTE’s one-of-a-kind book rationale database. These rationales provide invaluable resources to educators across the country. Learn more. Applicants should be current educators in K–12 education, children’s literature scholars, writers, collaborators, and, most importantly, readers. Experience with rationale writing is valuable but not a requirement. Broad knowledge of state standards, literature, and writing is needed. This round of the This Story Matters Teacher Corps will begin April 1, 2024, and is expected to conclude August 15, 2024. Due to the demands of the fall and back-to-school, these Corps will have an accelerated timeline and take advantage of the summer months for dedicated work time.
Corps members will:
- Write eight new rationales and review additional rationales
- Attend monthly virtual meetings with fellow members
- Read or re-read titles under consideration
- Recommend ways to increase database and rationale functionality
Apply by February 25, 2024, to be considered!
Some Student Opportunities
STUDYSYNC'S 11TH ANNUAL MEDIA CONTEST
Get ready for StudySync's Student Media Contest. To enter, students can record and submit their own StudySyncTV video, podcast episode, preview video, concept definition video, novel poster, short graphic novel, or DailySync lesson about their favorite book outside the StudySync library. The grand prize for the top entry will be a $500 Amazon gift card (awarded to the submitting teacher) for classroom materials and a classroom Zoom chat with StudySync CEO Robert Romano. A $100 Amazon gift card will also be awarded to the submitting teacher for top middle and high school entries in each category listed below! Teachers have until May 1st, 2024, to send in submissions on behalf of their students, along with parent/guardian permission, and submit via this Google form.. Winners will be notified via email by Wednesday, May 15th. Be sure to email any questions to MySyncTV@studysync.com. They can't wait to see your submissions!
CONTEST CATEGORIES AND DETAILS
StudySyncTV
Student-created StudySyncTV episodes are the “most popular” of our annual contest. Students can collaborate to produce a 5-minute-or-less StudySyncTV-style or SkillsTV-style episode for any text or skill in the StudySync Library that currently does not include a video. Students should use only original images, artwork, music, and content and check the StudySync Library to ensure their choice does NOT already have a StudySyncTV video.
Podcast
Develop and record an original podcast about any text in the StudySync Library. Students can offer their perspectives on a theme or pertinent topic surrounding the text. Have your students listen to the podcasts embedded in some of our Blasts for inspiration, or even have them listen to one of their choice from Apple or Spotify! Have students take notes about what makes a good podcast to help them plan and script their own. Students should use only original images, artwork, music, and/or content.
Preview Video
Produce a video mirroring the Preview videos in StudySync's Intro tab of a text. Students can highlight details about the title’s time period and theme. Please select a novel or text in the StudySync Library that does NOT currently have a Preview video or choose a favorite novel that is not yet in the StudySync Library and develop an audio-visual representation of what is typically found on a book's jacket. Create an introduction that entices fellow students to read the selection. Students should use only original images, artwork, music, and content.
Concept Definition Video
Produce a video mirroring the Concept Definition or SkillsTV videos! While it is ok to submit a concept definition that is already in the StudySync program, please advise students to rewrite their own script and new conversation between students. Students should use only original images, artwork, music, and content. To get started, download a Concept Definition sample script!
Novel Poster
Students develop a digital poster image from an original photo, digital image, or artwork as a backdrop clearly identifying the author and title of the book, for one of their favorite titles from the StudySync Library. Students should use only original images, artwork, and content.
Graphic Novel
Let your writing shine! Students can create a graphic novel based on a favorite title of theirs that isn’t part of the StudySync Library. Text and imagery should be original and concise as well as 10 pages or less in length. Students' words should be their own! Students should use only original images, artwork, and content.
Daily Sync
Learn, create, and connect with your own Daily Sync lesson! Imagine you're a teacher preparing a lesson for your students using a favorite title in the StudySync Library. Students should use only original images, artwork, music, and/or content.
TIPS FOR GETTING STARTED
- If you’re considering having students enter the contest, take a look at last year’s winners to get an idea of what they will need to produce.
- Assign the MyStudySyncTV Unit using the Contests filter in the Units tab within the StudySync Library. The MyStudySyncTV Unit engages students in the reading, writing, speaking, listening, and critical thinking skills that are necessary to develop a multimedia project. Completion of the MyStudySyncTV Unit or assignments are NOT required to enter the contest.
- Have students watch several StudySync® TV, SkillsTV, and Preview videos in the Library to provide students with a framework for the project. Also, using the Blasts filter feature, locate podcasts in the Blasts Library by selecting Blasts with ‘audio’ to provide a model for podcast entries.
SUBMISSION PROCESS
Submissions are limited to five (5) entries per category per teacher. Consider having students peer review videos, podcasts, and posters to select the five (5) per category to be submitted. A parent or guardian permission slip must be included for each student participating. Submit each entry via this Google form by 5pm PST on May 1st, 2024. Email any questions to MySyncTV@studysync.com.
OHIO POETRY ASSOCIATION HIGH SCHOOL POETRY CONTEST
The Ohio Poetry Association (OPA) sponsors an annual high school poetry contest, offering prizes and publication to winners in nine categories. A grand prize-winning poem will be published in Common Threads. Eligible poems will be sent to the Manningham Trust Student Poetry Contest sponsored by the National Federation of State Poetry Societies. The OPA contest is open to any student in grades 9–12. ENTRIES MUST BE POSTMARKED OR EMAILED BY FEBRUARY 25, 2024.
Contest Categories & Sponsors
- Free Verse – A poem of 12 lines on any subject. Sponsor: Jessica Weyer Bentley
- Nature Poem – A poem of any style, up to two pages in length, about seasons, animals, weather, trees, climate, or anything else that expresses an appreciation of the natural world. AI-generated work is not acceptable. Sponsor: Kerry Trautman
- “A Seasoning of Sensations” – A free verse poem of up to 32 lines. Sponsor: Sandra Rivers-Gill
- Poem About Place – Write about where you live. Any length, any style. Sponsor: Jonie McIntire
- School Days – A poem of any style, titled, and one page in length about some aspect of school. AI-generated work is not acceptable. Sponsors: former classroom teachers and poets, Sandra Feen and Rikki Santer
- Meter and Rhyme – Write a poem in any form that has meter and rhyme. Examples include the sonnet, the limerick, the rondeau, the ballad, and the villanelle. 30-line limit. Sponsor: Mark F. Stone
- Lyric Poem – Any subject, i.e., sonnets, villanelles, pantoums, ghazals, elegies, odes and dramatic monologues. Sponsor: Simple Simons Press
- Ethos – Ethos is a Greek word defined as the distinguishing character, sentiment, moral nature, or guiding beliefs of a person, group, or institution or the fundamental character or spirit of a culture. Write a poem that reflects in some way your own ethnicity or cultural heritage. Any form. 30-line limit. Sponsor: Chuck Salmons
- Surrealism – Write a free verse poem using surrealist elements, max 40 lines. Surrealist elements include dream-like or strange imagery and symbolism, distorted language, offbeat or unique effects created by the text, and illogical juxtapositions. Take note: surrealist pieces should exhibit their own internal logic, even if that logic heavily departs from the norm. Sponsor: Jeremy Jusek
Get all of the submission, prize, and contest information HERE.
SEJONG WRITING COMPETITION 2024
Deadline: February 29, 2024
Sijo category The goal of this sijo category is to introduce students to a lesser-known style of poetry, the traditional Korean sijo. Read about how to write sijo, or see last year's winning entries. The sijo is a traditional three-line Korean poetic form organized technically and thematically by line and syllable count. Using the sijo form, participants will write one poem in English on a topic of their choice. Only one entry per applicant is permitted. For examples of sijo, more information, and teaching materials – including teaching guides for sijo, please visit this website for more information.
Adult division (age 19 & older); Pre-college division (age 18 & younger)
Essay category Focusing on introducing students and young adults to Korean culture and history through literature, this essay category utilizes folk tales and contemporary literature to explore Korean culture, past and present.
Adult division (age 19-30 years): Contestants are to read Kim Bo-young's short story “I'm Waiting for You,” and write an essay in response to the provided adult division prompt.
Senior division (grade 9th - 12th): Contestants are to read Kim Bo-young's short story “I'm Waiting for You,” and write an essay in response to the provided senior division prompt.
Junior division (grade 8th and younger): Contestants are to write an essay in response to one of two provided prompts regarding a folktale of the contestant's choice. Contestants must choose one of the stories listed on the folktales page.
Contest and Application Pages
HERE IS THE CONTEST PAGE. There are several helpful links in the body of this page and in the left column index.
HERE IS THE APPLICATION PAGE. Please let students know that they may edit their entries and applications until the competition deadline.
YOUNG WRITERS' STUDIO SPRING SEMESTER
"DON'T GET IT RIGHT, JUST GET IT WRITTEN." - JAMES THURBER
Every other week, local teens gather to write, create, and explore ways to get their stories on paper. Whether it's a passion, or just a hobby, any student in grades 9-12 is invited to gather for an opportunity to spend time with others who also like to write. Sessions take place on select Tuesday evenings from 6:30-8:30 pm. Young Writers' Studio is held at Thurber Center, 91 Jefferson Ave, and simultaneously Zoomed for virtual participants. Each session is $17, or $150 for the season, and can be paid in advance by registering online. There are also have a limited number of scholarships available for students who would like to attend. For more information or to inquire about a scholarship, please email Meg Brown at megbrown@thurberhouse.org.
Tuesday, February 6th from 6:30–8:30 pm ET
Tuesday, February 20th from 6:30–8:30 pm ET
Tuesday, March 5th from 6:30–8:30 pm ET
Tuesday, March 19th from 6:30–8:30 pm ET
Tuesday, April 2nd from 6:30–8:30 pm ET
Tuesday, April 16th from 6:30–8:30 pm ET
Tuesday, April 30th from 6:30–8:30 pm ET
Tuesday, May 14th from 6:30–8:30 pm ET
The Laws of Life Essay Contest
The Laws of Life Essay Contest is a character-themed essay competition for students, originally created by Sir John Templeton in 1987, and adopted by BBB’s Center for Character Ethics in 2009 as a vital component of the future leaders programming. The contest challenges young people to discover through reflection and writing what matters most to them in their own lives and the principles they believe should guide their behaviors and choices.
Entering the Contest
Laws of Life Essay Contest is for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students who have a law of life they are passionate about, or who want to use writing their essay as a way to discover what they feel is important to them. Students cannot submit essays individually, they must work through a class, school or other youth group. Each teacher selects the best essays written by their students and submits them to the contest. The number of entries is determined by the number of essays written in each class, school or youth group. (see page 7 of the Laws of Life Teachers Guide)
What is the Essay Topic?
While there is no required essay prompt, essays should be about a law of life of the student’s choosing. Some students write about how they learned the law, how they live by it or why it is important to them. Some students use a quote or “maxim” and explain it and why it is important to them. Students can also use one of the the UncommonSense® themes.
Special Theme 2024
The special theme for 2024 is Accountability. There is a special prize category for students who choose to write about accountability and allow schools to submit one additional entry on this topic. Students should reflect on what accountability means to them, why it is an important Law of Life, how they learned the trait, and how they have changed their behavior to live up to that law. The best essay on this topic will be awarded $150. Students are not required to write about this topic, but if students choose to write about accountability, the best essay on that topic may be submitted as an additional entry for that school.
Is There a Maximum Length?
All essays (including the special theme) should be no more than 3 typed, double spaced pages. Teachers are strongly encouraged to submit their entries online (and all finalists are required to submit an electronic version), so teachers/contest coordinators are encouraged to ask for electronic files from their students.
NCTE STUDENT WRITING AWARDS
Student Writing Awards
Achievement Awards in Writing (for 10th and 11th grade students)
This school-based writing program encourages high school students in their writing and publicly recognizes some of the best student writers in the nation.
Deadline February 15
Promising Young Writers (for 8th grade students)
This school-based writing program stimulates and recognizes student’s writing talents and emphasizes the importance of writing skills among eighth-grade students.
Deadline February 15
PRINCETON SUMMER JOURNALISM PROGRAM
The 2024 Princeton Summer Journalism Program-Extended Application Deadline
The application for the 2024 Princeton Summer Journalism Program is now due on February 27, 2024. PSJP is a free, year-long college preparation program for current juniors from limited-income backgrounds who are interested in journalism. Participants complete a multi-week journalism intensive during the summer after their junior year and receive personalized college application help during their senior year. Prior journalism experience is appreciated but not required. Successful applicants tend to be interested in writing, politics, current events, history, social justice, service or civic engagement, identity, art, culture, and/or economics. Review the eligibility requirements to determine if your students are eligible and nominate an applicant today!
O’CONNOR INSTITUTE AMBASSADORS CIVICS & DEBATE CLUB
Calling all high-school-age leaders! Want to impress colleges, sharpen your leadership talents, connect with other driven students from around the country, enhance your civics knowledge and civil discourse skills, and debate the most important civics topics facing our communities and nation?
Look no further: The O’Connor Institute Ambassadors Civics & Debate Club is for you.
- Compete for a $5,000 college scholarship
- Hone your speech and debate skills
- Deepen your understanding of civics and how American government works
- Get involved and make a difference in your community
- Engage in online civics-related discussion and debate students from across the country
- Earn a cord for graduation
And . . . it’s totally free!
The O’Connor Institute Ambassadors Civics & Debate Club is a free, online program for 9th through 12th-grade students presented by the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute for American Democracy. O’Connor Institute Ambassadors promotes the O’Connor Institute’s three pillars: civil discourse, civics education, and civic engagement. Learn More: https://oconnorinstitute.org/ambassadors/
Benefits of being an Ambassador:
- Ambassadors allows students to demonstrate to colleges their commitment to self-improvement, extracurricular learning, and civic mindedness
- Seniors can compete for a $5,000 college scholarship
- Seniors can earn an Ambassador high-school graduation cord
- Ambassadors facilitates productive online discussion and debate between student leaders from around the country
- Students gain the opportunity to build their civics knowledge and related skills
To be an Ambassador, students:
- Create Your Account Here!
- Participate in monthly online Ambassador civics and debate club meetings
- Volunteer for at least ten hours each school year for a nonprofit organization in their community
OSU LIBRARIES/EXPANDING VISIONS FOUNDATION CAREER INSTITUTE
Students can register for a Career Institute through the Ohio State University Libraries happening on Thursdays from April 4th-May 9th, 5:30-7:30pm. They will be introduced to careers, interview skills, and resume writing. Ten students will be chosen for a paid summer internship with OSU. Sessions take place at the Thompson Library on the OSU Campus. Register HERE.
Song for February
Contact Information
Carla Mae Phillips
Southland Center, Suite 125
Previous Newsletters are available on the CCS ELA 6-12 Webpage.
Email: cphillips3865@columbus.k12.oh.us
Website: https://www.ccsoh.us/English6-12
Location: 3700 South High Street, Columbus, OH, 43207, USA
Phone: (380) 997-0463