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June 8, 2007
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Upcoming Events
Participate in
Asian Heritage Read Aloud 2007!
Interested in reading to
students in grades 4-6?
For information call (203) 336-4197
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Parent/Child Summer Selections for 2007
July 21st Selection:
A House for Hermit Crab
by Eric Carie
and
August 18th Selection:
When Charlie McButton Lost Power
by Suzanne Collins and Mike Lester
Limited Free Copies!
Call 336-4197
Sponsored by the
Bridgeport Board of Education
PARENT CENTER
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Young Authors Reach for the Stars
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Guest author Rick Arruzza, accompanied by his dog Sparky, joined the Bridgeport Public Schools’ Reading/Language Arts Department to host a Young Authors Celebration last month at the University of Bridgeport’s Bernhard Center. The celebration, now in its twentieth year, was entitled “All Great Authors Reach for the Stars!” The event recognized 250 Bridgeport students in grades K-8 for excellence in writing a published story, poem, or book.
Arruzza, along with his dog Sparky, conducted a book signing both before and after the celebration. Sparky is the premise of Arruzza’s books, and proceeds from his book sales are donated to various programs for abandoned dogs and cats, such as Adopt-a-Dog, Pet Rescue, Animal Haven and Pets Unlimited.
Students shared in their achievements with parents, teachers, and administrators. Each student received a Young Authors tote bag, pen and certificate in recognition of their accomplishments. “This is one true time we can celebrate students and parents coming together as a district,” said Deborah Orifice of the Reading/Language Arts Department. “Event after twenty years this initiative is successful. It is something that has been passed down by tradition, and everyone looks forward to it.”
Bridgeport Students Collaborate in String Performance
--As printed in the Redding Pilot
John Read Middle School students in the string orchestra joined forces with students from High Horizons Middle School in Bridgeport on Thursday, May 10, for a collaborative musical performance for the public.
The event was the showcase performance of the group, which had met only a couple of times over the past few months to practice. The music exchange was organized by Music for Youth, a nonprofit group. The group’s purpose is to foster the love and knowledge of classical music in young people through free children’s concerts and music programs in local schools, thus encouraging the study of music by young people, according to a press release.
The students were coached by the members of the Enso String Quartet, a well-renowned Houston, Texas-based ensemble, which opened the show by performing two pieces.
Roughly 50 students participated in the music exchange. They began the day with a performance in Bridgeport followed by a final show at John Read Middle School.
Information about other programs and scholarships sponsored by Music for Youth is available at the Web site www.musicforyouth.net.
Washington Park Association Gives Back to Barnum
Recently The Washington Park Association Foundation (WPA) made a generous donation to Barnum School. The organization, founded in 1973, is currently involved in reorganization efforts, and called upon the community for support. Barnum teachers and students stepped up to the call, distributing letters to parents and receiving much-needed signatures.
The donation comes as a token of gratitude for all of Barnum’s help and hard work. “It is our pleasure to be of help to those who have the desire to pursue excellence,” said Todd Thompson, WPA President. The check was presented by WPA Board Members Rev. Herman Lowers, of the Bethel Deliverance Center, and Jenice Thompson, Co-Pastor of the Calvary Temple Christian Center, Inc. The donation was accepted by Deborah Broccoli, Director of Reading and Literacy K-8.
Mrs. Broccoli will oversee how the money will be spent for teacher initiatives and hands-on resources and community endeavors for students. A teacher luncheon will also be planned. “This is a great way to reward our teachers for their efforts while giving back to our students,” Mrs. Broccoli said.
Last year the WPA funded a $10,000, two-year scholarship for Barnum Annex student Leah Samantha Anthony to attend Kolbe Cathedral High School.
Barnum School and Bridgeport Public Schools thank the Washington Park Association for its generosity.
The WPA is a non-profit organization organized exclusively for charitable, religious, educational, and scientific purposes, including for such purposes as the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under Sec 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 or the corresponding provisions of any future United States Internal Revenue law.
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