A Message from CCIRA President
Amy Ellerman
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December Updates for CCIRA Members
Thank you for being a member of CCIRA! As an organization, our strength is in our membership—so we are thankful for you. We appreciate your commitment to literacy and learning (that of your students as well as your own).
As a CCIRA member, you will be receiving two important communications from us during the month of December. The first will be the proposed bylaw changes to be voted on at our annual General Assembly. This information is sent out well in advance so that there is plenty of time for members to look items over and ask questions. There will also be an opportunity to discuss proposals during the meeting before the vote. General Assembly is always held during the CCIRA Conference at the Denver Marriott Tech Center, since so many members are in attendance. All CCIRA members are welcome to attend General Assembly and to vote on the proposed bylaw changes on Thursday, February 7, at 7:30pm. If you are interested in learning more about the business side of our organization, you might plan to attend.
The other email you can expect from us will be the electronic ballot to elect any new Executive Committee members. We are fortunate to have dedicated volunteers stepping up to lead in all aspects of our organization. As a volunteer-run nonprofit, CCIRA depends on these committed educators who collaborate to organize services that include the annual conference, local council events, grants and awards, and so much more. We invite all CCIRA members to help choose our future leaders by casting their votes.
I would also (continue to) encourage anyone with a passion for literacy and leadership to reach out to learn more about volunteer opportunities within CCIRA. A crucial part of our work is connecting with and supporting future leaders—a growing organization is always recruiting new voices. You might be exactly the right person to step into a role that fires you up and makes a difference for kids and educators in Colorado.
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Want to win a gift card to use in the Exhibit Hall at the Conference?
Let Anne Cook know the answer to this question.....
Where should you be next October 19, 2019?
Email her at annecook59@gmail.com to enter into a drawing! Winner will be announced January 1st.
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2019 CCIRA Conference Highlights
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CCIRA 2019 Conference Registration is still open and great sessions you won't want to miss!
There is space still available for the two luncheons, but it's filling up fast. If you want to see Donalyn Miller or Gerry Brooks at the conference, then you will want to be there! They will only be presenting at those luncheons. It will be a
must see
event. Sign up as soon as possible!
Find our list of speakers, registration book, and registration
at
ccira.org
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Click on "Inspire!" to access registration on our website!
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CCIRA Conference on Literacy 2019
Advertisements and Exhibits
Do you sell Lularoe, Premier Designs, handmade jewelry, facial products, or know someone who has their own product demonstration or small business? We are looking for independent business owners who would like the opportunity to market and sell at the 2019 CCIRA Conference. It's a great opportunity to promote their business to over 1,200 educators. Encourage that business owner that you know to go to our CCIRA Conference link and sign up to exhibit.
The link for ads and exhibits is now open on the CCIRA website. Go to ccira.org for more information.
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Capture the Flag - Exploring the Symbol of Our Nation
The American Flag has been a symbol of our nation since the adoption of the Flag Resolution in June 1777, being first hoisted in by the Continental Army at the Middlebrook encampment, with 13 stars and 13 stripes to represent the original 13 colonies.
By exploring the various ways people use the American flag through the Capture the Flag primary source album below, elementary and middle school students can learn about abstract concepts through a student-led inquiry-driven classroom activity.
Resources:
Procedure:
- Create student groups of 3-4
- Pass out a different image from the album to each group
- Ask them to perform a primary source analysis using Observe, Reflect, Question
- Share findings with the whole class
- Ask them to choose from a list of abstract concepts that you want them to learn about, for example, liberty, freedom, endurance, democracy, or patriotism.
- Using the Four Fold graphic organizer, ask them to place the concept they choose in the middle and go through the steps provided.
- For the last step (Illustrate), either have them use the primary source image you provided and/or have them illustrate it individually.
As an assessment, ask them to write a paragraph stating their findings, defining their concept, and reflecting on the thought process.
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Outstanding Administrative Leadership in Reading Award
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We are sure that you know an outstanding administrator who has demonstrated an outstanding contribution in the area of reading by promoting excellence in the improvement of reading instruction. Each year CCIRA recognizes an administrator in the state of Colorado who has shown those qualities. Look at the link below under "CCIRA Grants and Awards" to find out more. The deadline for nominations is December 5th!
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Visit
CCIRA
t
o
look over the array of grants and awards CCIRA offers. Begin to think about applying for a grant or nominating a deserving educator for an award to be presented at the 2018 conference.
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Please join in the excitement surrounding the new CCIRA Blog! It is off to a great start and will open up your world to ongoing professional development ideas with the ease of your computer screen! Start today by clicking on this link:
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On a brisk and beautiful October Saturday morning, 60 educators from around the Pikes Peak area came together to learn at the beautiful Julie Penrose Estate in Colorado Springs. This year’s fall PPIRA conference theme was “Special Populations: Supporting Unique Learners in your Classroom” and our educators heard from speakers about how to support our ESL students, GT students, and students with special needs better in the classroom. Much was learned and even more was shared. We had a sold out conference this year and hope to have as many members join us next year on Oct. 19, 2019.
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Council Highlight:
PPIRA Fall Mini-Conference
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CCIRA Executive Committee
Amy Ellerman
, President: ellermanamy@gmail.com
Jessica Rickert, President Elect:
jessrccira@gmail.com
Sharon Miller,
Vice President:
slmiller90@gmail.com
Anne Cook
, Immediate Past President:
annecook59@gmail.com
Michele Warner
, Secretary:
bmwarner1227@comcast.net
Sue Goodenow
, State Membership Coordinator:
smg970@gmail.com
Molly Rauh
, Director of Membership Development:
molly.rauh@gmail.com
Cathy Lynskey
, Treasurer:
clynskey2000@gmail.com
Lisa Kahn,
Administrative Assistant:
lisakahnccira@gmail.com
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Is your local council, state committee, school, or community doing something extraordinary for literacy in Colorado? Do you have a great idea to share with other educators on how to enhance literacy in the classroom? Do you know of a conference or event that CCIRA members might be interested in attending? If so, please contact
Anne Cook to submit information for publication.
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