PRIME TIME forward and Farragut School Committee resignation

[Betty Clemens]

This is the grant program that I tried to evoke interest from Knox County librarians to follow through with, via application. I had been personally approached to apply for Tennessee and we would have had access to volunteer training and supplies. Rather than trying "to do" everything in detail, I feel this committee should focus more on communicating opportunities for public schools to take advantage of what's out there, already. Library programs that focus on reading skills offer reinforcement of classroom instruction. We have been reinventing small wheels when the carriage needs an overhaul.

Earlier interest in encouraging volunteers for the local school sites may have waned in favor of fund raising, but I hope the committee will continue to explore the possibilities. Unfortunately, I can no longer commit time to the great start you have had under brilliant leadership. We would be pursuing separate goals. 

On a personal level, Harold was moved to Assisted Living, so my future may take me out of the Farragut area. If not, my planned position might be considered a conflict of interest, as I would be offering educational services, as a Reading Specialist, through the private sector. For this reason, I regretfully submit my resignation, affording you an opportunity for an early replacement. My thanks for your friendly assistance and sincere best wishes for a successful school year. 

Elizabeth "Betty" Clemens

P.S. Just an aside observation. Recognizing math accomplishments as less than desired, I would check on reading comprehension as a possible culprit. My work with Community College students usually indicated a parallel between the two on test scores. Problem solving areas were most deficient, but involve a skill that can be taught. 

Begin forwarded message:

From: Betty Clemens <bettyc...@aol.com>

Date: September 8, 2010 2:37:19 PM EDT

To: Betty  Clemens <bettyc...@aol.com>

Subject: prime time. school committee

PRIME TIME in cooperation with the American Library Association (ALA) Public Programs Office, selected public libraries in Arizona, Florida, Georgia and Michigan to participate in the national expansion of the LEH's award-winning family reading and discussion program, PRIME TIME FAMILY READING TIME. National expansion of PRIME TIME is made possible through a $250,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), which also supported earlier grants for implementation of programs in Louisiana and initial national expansion. Four states, representing 16 community libraries, have been chosen to participate in this latest PRIME TIME national expansion.       Selected states will receive grant funds and materials to work with library staff to present the PRIME TIME series at participating library sites. Each series will meet once a week for six weeks at participating libraries. Common Ground, PRIME TIME's latest syllabus, offers a proven vehicle for libraries to engage a multicultural audience including non-English speakers.  Through a discussion leader and a storyteller, children ages 6 to 10 years and their parents or guardians will hear classic children's stories; watch reading aloud demonstrations; discuss humanities themes in each book; and learn about library resources and services. Translators will be available where bilingual or multilingual audiences will be recruited. Younger siblings, ages 3 to 5 years, will participate in separate pre-reading activities. The new national expansion sites include: Arizona - State Project Director:  Erica Kinias, Arizona Humanities Council.  Host sites:  Quincie Douglas Branch Library and Southwest Branch Library, Tucson. Florida - State Project Director:  Patricia Putman, The Florida Humanities Council. Host site:  Selby Public Library, Sarasota. Georgia - State Project Director:  Elaine Black, Georgia Public Library Service. Host sites:  Fitzgerald-Ben Hill County Library, Fitzgerald, and Dogwood Branch, Atlanta.   Michigan - State Project Director:  Cynthia Dimitrijevic, Michigan Humanities Council.  Host Site:  The Peter White Public Library, Marquette.

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