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How to Organize and Run Read Across America

Here is a little about the logistics regarding putting on a weeklong RAA for a whole district...
  • I do some preliminary planning by finding the dates of the week and mapping our my timeline on when I have to organize building level meetings, email the administration for approval on anything that needs to be purchased or on dates, and any prep work before those communications.  
  • I select a theme and make some plans for what the district wide activities will be for the week.  I then email that information to the administration first to keep them in the loop but also to ask for input and permission for any initiatives and meeting dates.
  • I always do at least a teacher centered bulletin board in each building, a home and school connection activity for each building, themed snacks in both buildings, some kind of a district provided gift (bookmarks, etc.), and a Family Literacy Night for everyone (this year we've moved it to the spring so we can still have a large event together).  All of these things are set up before going to the building level.
  • Building Level Committees....this is KEY!  This needs to be a community effort.  Not only is there a lot to be done, but you need staff to buy-in to this important time of year.  Period.  You need the excitement of others around these activities and events to make it the best if can be for the kids.  At this level is where subcommittees are formed and teachers have a chance to get creative.  We all operate within the theme for consistency.
  • I share out all meeting notes with the entire building in case someone wants to help or support an activity.  Then the subcommittees are off and running.
  • I send separate emails to each subcommittee in each building to get them all on the same page, same email chain, and get the ball rolling.  I usually restate what was decided in the main building level meeting and encourage them to start a conversation and set deadlines.  This puts them in charge of the project but still gives them support.
  • Next I compose a detailed list of events, both daily & weeklong, for the entire staff so everyone is in the know.  Then I put one together that is just for families.  We even have members on each subcommittee that craft reminders for individual events for the day before.  5 years in the making we have this down to a science.  
  • Once the main notices are out then it's time to send out any sign-up sheets for activities, snacks, etc.  This is where people who are not part of the committee still get to participate because this is a community approach.
  • It's important to note that all of our flyers and notices are also translated.  This adds another step but it is so important to make sure that the information is readily available to all families.
  • When it's actually time for the week, we are off and running.  I try to take as many pictures as possible and encourage our staff to do the same for the yearbook.  We get to celebrate the fruits of our labor and enjoy the smiles on the faces of our students.  The success of each event promotes engagement for the following year with our staff.  This is crucial for staff buy-in.  People want to feel successful and appreciated!
  • At the end, I reflect on what went well and what I can improve for the following year.  I ask for feedback from the staff to make sure that anything successful repeats and any issues are addressed before the following year.  This is critical to growing a successful RAA program.  Always reflect and grow!
I make a TON of lists during the preparation and planning for RAA week that I revisit constantly.  This helps me stay organized and keep on top of all that is going on in EACH building.  

This year our theme is "Wild About Reading" and I LOVE all of the ideas.  We will have a jungle theme.  Picking a theme is great way to be completely inclusive of all grades and ages.  It also keeps everything fresh each year.  


Have Fun!! Remember this is about developing a LOVE of reading! Reading needs to be seen as fun for it to be embraced.....

Thank You!
Kristin
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