Jacksonville Elementary Holds Annual Writer’s Festival

Coordinator Amy Kranenburg with students and Principal Rick Snyder

In his opening remarks, School Principal Rick Snyder told the audience, “We value writing as a skill here at Jacksonville Elementary…teaching writing is an integral part of what our teachers do.” Following his remarks, a bound Student Anthology with each 2012 student writing selection, was presented to Snyder as a keepsake.

The festival opening included a well-received keynote speech by acclaimed children’s author Judy Sierra, who has written more than 30 books. The New York Times best-selling author, who now makes her home in Eugene, stressed to the kids that being a good writer meant becoming a good reader.

Following Sierra’s thirty minute presentation, participating students gathered in break-out discussion groups in school classrooms with 17 writing mentors from the community. Each mentor had writing and/or teaching experience. Mentors spent time working with the budding writers from grades K-5, offering advice, encouragement and support. Alongside, many parents and school volunteers assisted, as well. One writing mentor told the Review, “These kids are just amazing…their energy and enthusiasm for reading and writing is inspiring and fills me with great pride and optimism for the next generation.”

Publisher/Mentor Whitman Parker with his group of writers!

In the break-out sessions, 6-8 students selected his or her favorite piece of writing from the school year and read it aloud. Students fielded questions from the mentors and from fellow students. The format included grouping siblings in different grades in the same classroom, offering parents an opportunity to participate in all of their kids’ writing selections at the same time in the same classroom.

The program, now in its second year, required the assistance of scores of volunteers and school staff to put on. Parent volunteer and Festival Coordinator Amy Kranenburg told the Review, “These writing samples offer a rare treat into the creative minds of our Jacksonville Pioneers, providing a great chance to give our kids positive feedback from community writers.” Kranenburg was assisted by Jaci Jones, whom she credited with doing an extraordinary job organizing an amazing event.

Jaci Jones, Judy Sierra, Amy Kranenburg

The 2012 volunteer writing mentors were: Marion Denard, Kathie Olsen, Whitman Parker, Linda Otto, Carolyn Kingsnorth, Steve & Mary Ann Carlson, Cheryl vonTress, Sue McCandless, Terry Erdmann, Ryan Bernard, Mary Louise Kranenburg, Larry Butler, Adam Haynes, Joy Tayler and Michelle Hensman.