President's Corner
Well, the school year is in full swing now, and we are full steam ahead with conference planning! Your Board of Directors has been diligently working to prepare a 🌺WONDERFUL🌹 program for each of you, and we hope you will encourage your local council members and colleagues to attend and help make this our biggest conference yet! **Fun Tech Tool Alert: If you're curious how I made the wonderland graphic on this message, I used ideogram.ai, which is a free AI tool that allows you to describe the image you want to create, and then it generates examples based on what you typed in the description. Pretty neat tool...check it out!
Our Conference will be March 17-19, 2024 at the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem, NC. I am absolutely thrilled about some of the amazing Sunday institutes and keynotes we have in store for you all...I promise this is one you will not want to miss! A few of our distinguished speakers include:
*Alan Gratz (NYT Best-selling author)
*Typewriter Rodeo (Poets, speakers, entertainers, and more!)
*Dr. Rebecca Harper (Professor and presenter extraordinaire)
*Leah Carper (NC TOY, '22)
*John Claude Bemis (with an author panel of friends and authors to be announced soon)
*Alan Bailey (retired ECU librarian and former chair of the Coretta Scott King Book Awards Committee--moderating our author panel luncheon)
*And SO much more!
If back to school/fall season has been crazy and busy for you, don't fret! We have extended the proposal deadline and are trying to accommodate folks since we know the fall season is a busy one! Please take a moment to share this proposal form with anyone you know who may want to present. We are always looking for fresh presenters with great ideas to help create a literacy wonderland in classrooms and schools all across the state!
I have enjoyed visiting several local councils this month and sharing ideas for our Young Authors Project. If you have not yet begun writing your own Forever Young pieces or helping your students brainstorm their own writing and art masterpieces, I encourage you to dive in! I have started working with some fifth graders at my school on this project, and it has been so fascinating to hear their perspectives on this theme. I can hardly wait to read all of the amazing pieces our young authors from around the state share in celebration of themselves and their awesomeness. Thank you for continuing to support this project year after year.
As a reminder, there are several ways that you can support NCRA this year.
1️⃣ First, you should JOIN your local chapter. Local councils are the hands and feet of our larger organization, doing the work of creating Little Free Libraries, lobby libraries in doctors’ offices, birthday literacy bags for foster children, and more. It is a wonderful way to make a difference in your community!
2️⃣ Another way that you can support NCRA is by recognizing leaders in your life through our Leadership Appreciation Fund. This fund is a way for you to honor any and all leaders in your family, community, schools, churches, state and the nation. The funds raised will help pay for published authors to present at the annual NC Reading Conference and provide funding for our annual Young Authors celebrations, including providing a book for each winner at no cost to the winners and families.
3️⃣ Finally, get plugged into our social media if you haven't already. Like, comment, and share our posts, as well as the posts of other local councils. This helps promote all of the wonderful things that are happening at the local and state level, and the more we share, the more we get fresh faces seeing what we do, which helps support our membership efforts. If you scroll to the very bottom of this newsletter, you can access all of our social media pages.
With joy and wonder,
Emily Golightly
NCRA President
Young Authors Project
Dave Grohl the Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music
By: Dave Grohl
Publisher: Dey Street Books
Published: October 5, 2021
Reviewer: Emily Golightly
This book was incredible, but then, I knew it would be. I've been putting off reading it, enjoying the anticipation of it, and it did not disappoint. I love Dave Grohl, and to hear him talk about not just his own bands, but his experiences with other famous bands and musicians (Paul McCartney, in particular) was surreal and delightful. Anyone who grew up enjoying Nirvana and the Foo Fighters as a teen or young adult like I did, you simply cannot afford to skip this book! The heart, the history, and Dave's poetic recollections of defining moments in his life and our music history is 100% worth the read. I highly recommend the audiobook on this one, and I dare you not to laugh, cry, and feel more than a little nostalgic as you enjoy this master storyteller at work. A joy from start to finish!
"Hidden LETRS"
Here are some easy ways to incorporate LETRS training so your students won't even know they are learning, shared by our NCRA Past President, Margaret Cuthbertson. Some ideas could also be integrated into Encore/Specials classes.
🧡I Spy for letter sounds
🧡Boggle Board
🧡Phonological Listening Games (great for transitions)
🧡Word of the Day
🧡Collect Words
🧡Hopscotch with letters and not numbers
Selfie Sundays--Meet Our Members!
Emily Golightly, President
I received my bachelor's degree from East Carolina University in Elementary Education, and I also have my reading certification in grades K-12 and my TESL certification in grades K-12. I completed my master's degree in Teaching English as a Second Language through UNCW, and obtained a second master's degree in Media and Library Sciences (MLS) through Appalachian State University. This is my twentieth year teaching, and I have taught kindergarten, first, second, and third grades, reading and math intervention, and English to speakers of other languages (ESL), before becoming a school librarian.
I have served on the board of my local reading council, the Crystal Coast Reading Council, for many years, and I am also a member of the International Literacy Association, the American Library Association (ALA), the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), the NC School Library and Media Association (NCSLMA)--where I serve as the committee chair for the Conference Authors and Speakers Committee, ISTE, NCTiES, Carolina TESOL, the North Carolina Association of Educators, and a member of Alpha Delta Kappa, a teacher service organization. I am also a member of the 2023-2024 class of NCSLMA's Leadership Cohort, working to develop librarian leaders and provide professional learning opportunities across the state of NC.
In my spare time, I have created a podcast called "Sorry, I'm All Booked" to discuss books and current issues facing librarians and others in the education field. I also play the flute in our community's Sunshine Band. I'm so excited to be a part of NCRA, and I look forward to working with each of you to promote literacy across the state!
Email: emily.golightly@carteretk12.org
Website: bit.ly/golightlyreads
Facebook: facebook.com/emilyg143
Twitter: @EmilyGolightly3
Lisa Llewellyn McIntosh, President-Elect
Hello! I'm Lisa, and I am the current President Elect of NCRA. I
served as Vice-President for the 2022-2023 year and was previously the NCDPI
Liaison on the Board from 2011-2020. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education K-6, a Masters in School Administration / Curriculum & Instruction and an Academically Gifted Certification K-12 in NC and Virginia. I served as a classroom teacher, teacher of gifted, and curriculum coach. I recently retired from the NC Department of Public Instruction where I served as a K-5 English Language Arts Consultant for 13 years. I have been in education for 42 years.
Currently, I am an adjunct professor at William Peace University for the School of Professional Studies. I teach Literacy courses, Children’s Literature, and
I coach teachers in residency. I am the recipient of the 2023 William Peace
University Excellence in Teaching Award for the School of Professional Studies.
I enjoy playing the piano, walking, reading, calligraphy, and spending time with
my husband, family, and friends. I also love lattes and cappuccinos!!
Email: Lllewellyn1@gmail.com
Heidi Perez, Vice President
Email: heidi_perez@dpsnc.net
Margaret Cuthbertson, Past President
Hi, I'm Margaret Cuthbertson, Past President for NCRA and active member of the Greater Cabarrus Reading Association. I am in my 21st year in education. I am a media coordinator at a K-2 school in Cabarrus County, NC and I am also the District Coordinator for Read to Achieve. My husband and our two sons enjoy going to sporting events and particularly like cheering on the Tarheels. I enjoy scrapbooking, cooking, and watching movies.
Email: readingmrc@gmail.com
Facebook: Margaret Cuthbertson
Twitter: @PrimarilyMedia
Amanda McCall, Director of Membership
My name is Amanda McCall and I am going into my 20th year in education. I am the Membership Director for NCRA. This is my first leadership role for NCRA so I know that I have a lot to learn about the process this year. Currently, I am a Media Coordinator at Morehead City Primary School in Carteret County, NC. In the past, however, I have been a second grade, third grade, and Academically/Intellectually Gifted (AIG) teacher. This past year, I have spent a lot of time converting an old school bus to a book mobile- Title Wave. This has been a passion project of mine and just had its maiden voyage in June of 2023.
I am a mother of two- a rising senior and freshman- so this year promises to be full of business and lots of "firsts" and "lasts". I have been married for 19 years to my husband, Rick. I love traveling and would do so much more of it if I had the money. One of the ways I travel for lower costs is by signing on with teacher groups to learn and travel at the same time. I try to stay active and am a runner. While not a competitive runner, I enjoy doing team relays such as the "Blue Ridge Relay" in September with a group of fellow runner friends who are also gluttons for punishment. I play beach volleyball during the summer. I enjoy reading, going to concerts and plays, and spending time with family and friends when I can!
Facebook: Amanda Ruffin McCall
Email: amanda.mccall@carteretk12.org
Twitter: @amccalleducates
Website: Coming soon!
Lauren Johnson, Secretary
My name is Lauren Johnson and I am the NCRA Secretary but also Past President of NCRA (2018). This is my19th year in education and I currently serve as Assistant Principal at Chocowinity Middle School in Beaufort County. I spent the bulk of my career specializing in literacy instruction as a Literacy Specialist at Chocowinity Primary School before stepping into administration. I thrive on new learning, networking, and collaborating with others to achieve success and do what is best for children. I am a native of Chocowinity and feel blessed to work and live in the community with my husband and two boys, William (5) and Brian (14). In my spare time, I enjoy time on the Pamlico River, at the beach, serving in my church, and exercising at the local gym.
Email: laurenfieldsjohnson@gmail.com
Twitter: @laurenfjohnson1
Shannon Lawrence, Treasurer
Email: ncrainc.treasurer@gmail.com
Jean House, Executive Assistant
I've been involved in the NC Reading Association since the mid 1980s, first with the Raleigh/Wake Council, and then as an officer in the state association. I served as NCRA president from 2006-07 and have been working as the Executive Assistant since 2007. In that role, I am responsible for planning the yearly conference. I spend my spare time reading, gardening, watching my grandsons' baseball games, and traveling.
Talia Cotton, Digital Media Director
My name is Talia R. Cotton. I am an educator with 16 years of experience with a focus on English and Secondary Education. I am the Digital Marketing Director for North Carolina Reading Association and a Teaching and Learning Coach in Durham Public Schools. I was born and raised in Tallahassee, Florida. My hobbies are reading, traveling, and new technology!!
Facebook: Talia Cotton
Email: talia1.cotton@gmail.com
Twitter: @taliacotton
Website: https://www.taliarcotton.com
Denise Owens, Young Authors Project Chair
Hello! My name is Denise Owens. I have previously served as Vice President, President-Elect and President of NCRA. During my second term as President, I also served as the Young Author’s co-chair and loved not only determining the theme of the writing contest, but reviewing the hundreds of entries from students and Forever Young authors across the state. I am honored to serve as the co-chair for YA again this year!
This is my third year serving as an Instructional Coach at Eastern Elementary School in Beaufort County and my twenty-third year in education. Some of my favorite hobbies include reading, exercising (not to be confused with running lol) and playing with my sweet beagle, Charlie.
I look forward to working with all of the local councils this year. I can be reached via email at deniseowensncra@gmail.com if you have questions or want to reach out.
Area 1: Mountains--Tonya Bailey
Hi! I'm Tonya Bailey, and I am the Area Director for the Mountains Region, as well as the Blue Ridge Reading Council Past President. I am a retired teacher as of 2022, with 31 years of experience. I have been married for 32 years to my husband, Tony, and we have a wonderful daughter, Allison, who is 19 years old.
We have three pets: am American Bulldog, a Netherland Dwarf bunny, and a Leopard Gecko. My hobbies are reading and shopping. My new business after retirement is Bailey's Bag Boutique on Facebook. I have also been a Mary Kay Consultant for 24 years.
Email: tbailey@burke.k12.nc.us
Area 2: Piedmont West--Barb Falkenbury
Hello! I'm Barb, and I am originally from Buffalo- GO Bills! I have degrees in Criminal Justice, Elementary Education and Reading Specialist. I've married an Army officer 41 years ago in Baumholder, Germany. We have two children. My son works for the NC Superintendent of Public Instruction and my daughter is a history teacher in Salisbury. I have three beautiful granddaughters. I taught in 15 different schools in Buffalo, Germany, Ft. Knox, KY, Charleston, Alexandria, VA, Ft. Hood, TX, and Mechanicsburg, PA. We moved to Concord, NC in 1999 when my husband retired from the Army and I taught first grade and then became the first reading specialist at Cannon School for 20 years. I left Cannon in 2020 and moved to Charleston after 40 years of teaching.
I have been a member of NCRA and GCRA since 1999, and I've been membership chair, treasurer, president and YA chair for GCRA. I have been an Area Director three separate times ( total of 9 years) and was the NCRA state coordinator for 6 years. My hobbies (besides reading) include sewing and crafting. I have run an American Girl camp for the last 20 years which allows me use my interests.
Email: barbgcra@gmail.com
Facebook: Barbara Falkenbury
Instagram: @barb_book_reader
Area 3: Piedmont Central--Christine Leo
Hi! I'm Christine Leo. I am originally from Pittsburgh, PA; married for 46 years with two married daughters - one is an architect and one is a NICU nurse - and 2 granddaughters (3 1/2 years old and 3 months old). I have spent the past 46 years in education, with an elementary education degree from Bethany College and a masters degree in special ed from West Virginia University. This is my fourth year as an area director. My part time job is selling Partylite candles and home decor. I also read and have a collection of over 800 picture books which I use with my students (yes, I'm still teaching!).
Email: cbleo114@aol.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christine.leo.5477
Partylite Site: www.Partylite.com/christineleo All candle lovers please join!
Area 4: Southeast--Shane Fletcher
Hi! I'm Shane, the Area Director for the Southeast Region, and I have been married for 34 years to Tonnye Williams Fletcher. I've been teaching for twenty-two years, and I am currently at Central Middle School in Whiteville, NC (7th Grade ELA). I have my PhD in Curriculum & Instruction -Literacy from NC State and my MAEd - Reading Specialist from UNCP. We live/work on Country Corners Farm in Chadbourn, NC (Home of NC’s only Sugarcane Maze!). We have 2 cats (Sparkles and Dusty) and 1 Turtle (Blinky). I have been an NCRA Area Director for 12 years. I am also the current Vice President of Columbus Council of NCRA
Email: mfletcher@whiteville.k12.nc.us
Twitter: @docfletch2016
Facebook: Shane Fletcher
Instagram: @shaeginarrowmaker
Area 5: Coast--Vicki Abbott-Stain
Hi! My name is Vicki Abbott-Stain. I am the current NCRA Area Director for the Coastal Region and have held this position for the past five years. I retired from Craven County Schools in 2017 after thirty one years as an elementary teacher. I have taught Kindergarten through Fourth grade and several years as a Title 1 Reading teacher. Since retirement, I have been a full-time substitute teacher in Craven County.
I am one of the original charter members of Twin Rivers Reading Council founded in 1987. I am also a past president of the Council and have held many positions on the board. I have been the chairman for Reading Fun Day at the mall project for the past ten years.
I look forward to working with you all this year. You may contact me at (252)-349-4510 or email me at poohbear13@suddenlink.net.
VISION
We envision a world in which literacy is a basic and essential human right with ample opportunities and support provided to all individuals to become readers and writers.
MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission is to develop and support local councils and their members in providing literacy initiatives and advocacy in their communities and throughout the state.