1. Apple Valley Reading Council Annual Writing Contest ‘“Why publish?” is closely connected with “Why write?”’ Donald Graves, 1983

2. Contest Goals Provide service to the educational, literacy, and general community Promote writing in all grades throughout the region we cover

3. Contest Goals Recognize teachers Celebrate literacy through the annual banquet honoring the winners Publish writing to recognize and motivate young people to write

4. Procedures Contest rules are distributed in January through the AVRC Building Reps Some lessons we’ve learned Rules

5. Procedures Chairperson and committee Timeline:  Announce contest in January  Deadline in March  Announce winners in late April  Hold banquet in May

6. How many students benefit? Direct winners  Up to 24 (2 for each grade level) Number who benefit: countless  All of the students whose teachers choose to participate will have added opportunities and motivation to write

7. Anticipated results Increased emphasis on writing in our region Enhanced good feelings among teachers for their work Increased awareness among parents, administrators, and teachers of the role of AVRC in promoting literacy in our community

8. Judges Shenandoah University Education Professors Retired teachers Writers in the community

9. Celebrating Annual Banquet Dinner ticket Teacher of the Year For copies of the documents listed below, email: bryant@wps.k12.va.us bryant@wps.k12.va.us Student Invitation.docStudent Invitation.doc Teacher Invitation.doc Member Invitation.docTeacher Invitation.docMember Invitation.doc AVRC Outstanding Reading Teacher Nomination.doc

10. Recognitions Student Awards Teacher of the Year Certificate for Winner.doc

11. Publishing Golden Apples LUCKY LEPRECHAUN Lucky leprechaun in a ship, lucky leprechaun starting to skip. Lucky leprechaun in a tree, lucky leprechaun next to me. Lucky leprechaun in the pool, Lucky leprechaun at school. Lucky leprechaun starting to hold a piece of some gold. “I found it,” he shouted. It’s bright and bold. He had to say thanks to me, and he was off with glee! Trevor Stevens 2nd Grade Poetry Teacher: Kristi Diminuco Apple Pie Ridge Elementary School 2009 Golden Apples.doc

12. Final Thoughts/Questions Other area publishing Initiatives: The Winchester Star Link Northern Virginia Daily For more information about Apple Valley Reading Council—email bryant@wps.k12.va.usbryant@wps.k12.va.us or check out our website: www.avrc.org