If you would like your classroom featured in area papers to acknowledge your student's efforts and accomplishments in regards to the Children's Project, please email Jenny @ andrewsj@millercollege.edu. I would LOVE to feature all of you - so please contact me with convenient times.
LAMORA PARK BEGINS WORK ON MILLER COLLEGE CHILDREN’S PROJECT
The Miller College Children’s Literature Project is off and running in schools across Calhoun County. At LaMora Park in Battle Creek’s Urbandale area students are doing exercises to stimulate their creative juices before actually putting pencil to paper.
On Friday, September 18th, Mrs. Olaniyi assisted students from Mrs. Osborn’s class work on drawing their outward characteristics. These 4th grade students were gazing into the mirror and hurriedly running back to their desks to capture on paper exactly what reflected back to them in the mirror.
The Miller College Children’s Project gives all third, fourth, and fifth grade students in Calhoun County the opportunity to explore the possibilities available to them through creative writing, reading, and illustration. Over 1,600 students in Calhoun County have registered for the Project, including 56 area teachers and 5 home school parents.
Addrionna Fowler, a 4th grader at LaMora Park said, “I’m excited to win because if a lot of people read my book then maybe I can be famous!” While 4th grader Kyle Starkweather simply stated, “I thought (the Children’s Project) would be really fun. I don’t care if I win, I just think it’s fun.”
WATTLES PARK ELEMENTARY SETS THE STAGE FOR SUCCESS!
Third graders at Wattles Park Elementary created “Story Maps” with help from children’s book author, Mrs. Darlene Hunt, in preparation for their writing and illustration entries in the Miller College Children’s Literature Project. Story Maps involve brainstorming creative ideas for a beginning, middle and end before actually putting pen to paper. Items on the map included title, settings, characters, the problem, events and the theme or solution.
Harper Creek has roughly 75 students involved in the Children’s Project which involves a book writing contest and a three day visit in March from children’s book author and artist, David Small, and children’s book author, Sarah Stewart, both from Mendon, MI. Students from across Calhoun County were invited to participate and currently there are over 1,600 students involved countywide. For more information please visit www.millercollege.edu/learning_project.
UECU AWARDS GRANT TO MILLER COLLEGE CHILDREN'S LITERATURE PROJECT
Valley View Elementary students from Mrs. Liston's and Mr. Richards' 4th and 5th grade classes worked with Mrs. Kramer, Art Instructor, to develop their book illustrations as part of the Miller College Children's Literature Project. Inspiration for the stories varied from action-packed "Candy Wars" by fifth grader, Javian Hodges, to a romance book with a prince and princess by fourth graders, Marisol Vazquez and Ka'Leeya Ellis, to a book titled "Eco Twins", by fifth grader, Hannah Swank, a story about two superheroes saving the planet.
Over 1,600 third, fourth, and fifth graders from across Calhoun County are participating in the Literature Project thanks to sponsors such as the United Educational Credit Union's Bright Ideas Partnership Program. The Credit Union graciously presented Jenny Andrews, Project Director, with a $1500.00 check to go towards the various activities the Children's Project has planned for the next few months. For more information, please visit the Project website at www.millercollege.edu/learning_project.
"I am so proud and impressed with the creativity and effort taking place in the classrooms I am visiting. The first round of books is due to Miller College in December and I cannot wait to start reading!", says Jenny Andrews.
LAMORA PARK ELEMENTARY HOSTS A "MEET THE AUTHOR" EVENT
Students at LaMora Park Elementary in Battle Creek hosted a “Meet the Author” event in celebration of the completion of their book submissions to the Miller College Children’s Literature Project. Fourth graders in Mrs. Olaniyi’s class were buzzing with excitement as their family, friends and schoolmates visited their station to learn more about their book.
“I believe the Project has been a positive one for both the students, teachers, and myself. I have had the opportunity to visit several participating classrooms and it’s so exciting to see their creativity come to life!, states Jenny Andrews, Miller College Marketing and Children’s Project Director.
The books turned in to Miller College will now go through two more rounds of judging. The final 27 countywide winners will be announced in March 2010 and those students will be celebrated at an award’s dinner with featured children’s book authors and illustrator, David Small and Sarah Stewart. For more information and a listing of other events featuring David Small and Sarah Stewart, please visit www.millercollege.edu/learning_project.
THIRD GRADERS AT WESTLAKE ELEMENTARY
SHARE THE SECRET TO THEIR SUCCESS FOR PUBLISHING BOOKS
Third graders at Westlake Elementary shared the secret to their success with Jenny Andrews, Miller College Children’s Literature Project Director, before turning in their final book submission for the countywide writing and illustration contest.
Former Art Instructor and Fine Artist, Mrs. Acheson did a tremendous job of pushing each student’s level of creativity in both the writing and the illustration of their books. When asked if they were amazed by their own ability, each and every student responded with a definite “YES!”.
Students began the process by researching various authors and illustrators. They chose a topic of interest and broke it down in to simple scenes – developing the ending of their book first. Students used multiple resources in order to find strategies to draw the images they envisioned for their pages, from Google to past student’s work. “All of the hard work paid off in the end – their books are amazing!”, Jenny Andrews.
For more information and a listing of other events featuring David Small and Sarah Stewart, please visit www.millercollege.edu/learning_project.
MILLER COLLEGE CHILDREN’S LITERATURE
PROJECT ANNOUNCES SECOND ROUND WINNERS
At the start of the 2009/2010 school year, 3rd, 4th and 5th graders living in Calhoun County and beyond were invited to participate in a writing and illustration contest in conjunction with Miller College. 954 students took advantage of this wonderful opportunity.
In December, schools were asked to submit no more than six books per category, Best Writing, Best Illustration and Best Overall Book. 430 submissions were turned into the College at the start of Christmas break.
Since that time period, Miller College student volunteers have been working to narrow those 430 books down to a mere 54, which will then be passed along to the com
munity panel of judges charged with selecting the top three in each category for each grade. “I am so proud of the students for their creativity and hard work! Choosing only 54 was not an easy task for the student judges. I don’t envy the community panel of judges - their task will not be easy!”, states Jenny Andrews, Project Director.
In conjunction with the writing and illustration contest, children’s book author and illustrator, David Small, and author, Sarah Stewart, will be spending three days in Battle Creek beginning with a book sale and signing being held at Miller College on March 16th, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. On March 17th the final 27 winners will be celebrated at an Awards Dinner at the Holiday Inn in Battle Creek. Winners will receive invitations via mail. In addition, David and Sarah will present to area high school and college age students at Lakeview High School on March 18th, an Educational Symposium. If your class is interested in attending, please call Jenny Andrews at Miller College, (269) 660-8021.
David Small’s art exhibit will be on display at the Battle Creek Art Center during the months of February and March. An opening reception will be held on February 7th from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. For more information on the Miller College Children’s Project and events, please visit: www.millercollege.edu/learning_project.
Photo Byline: Miller College student volunteers graciously spent their Holiday Break reading the Miller College Children's Project book submissions. Pictured left to right are: Shelly Osborn; Jenny Stange; Kristy Kipp; and Laura Farkas.
Miller College proudly announces the following
students have been selected to move on to the final round:
3rd Grade Best Writing:
Jake Beronja – Westlake Elementary, Mrs. Acheson
Zachary Seivert – Westlake Elementary, Mrs. Acheson
Michael Crinion – Wattles Park Elementary, Mrs. Lawson
Madison Elliott – Dunlap Elementary, Mrs. Hallack
Carledo White – Westlake Elementary, Mrs. Acheson
Savanna Park – Riverside Elementary, Mrs. Martin
3rd Grade Best Illustration:
Amy Beebe – Westlake Elementary, Mrs. Acheson
Sasha Bottom – Westlake Elementary, Mrs. Acheson
Anna Hagood – Westlake Elementary, Mrs. Acheson
Payton Espolon – St. Joseph Elementary, Mrs. Kuenzel
Robert Cato – Dunlap Elementary, Mrs. Shafer
Brooklynn Stanley – Westlake Elementary, Mrs. Acheson
3rd Grade Best Overall Book:
Mallory Bandlow – Westlake Elementary, Mrs. Acheson
Ryan Reincke – St. Joseph Elementary, Mrs. Schaub
Jackson Tallent & Griffin Fortney – Riverside Elementary, Mrs. Martin
Ruben Rosas – Coburn Elementary, Mrs. Parker
Jude Cox – St. Joseph Elementary, Mrs. Kuenzel
Yasuto Takahashi & Shane Shaw – Riverside Elementary, Mrs. Martin
4th Grade Best Writing:
Bethanie Simons – Olivet Middle School, Mrs. Mestemaker
Tyreese Watson – LaMora Park Elementary, Mrs. Olaniyi
Josh Millikin – Minges Brook Elementary, Mrs. Comer
Alex Latunski – Olivet Middle School, Mrs. Mestemaker
Jackson Maduri – St. Joseph Elementary, Mrs. LaLonde
Kirstin Finnila – St. Joseph Elementary, Mrs. LaLonde
4th Grade Best Overall Book:
Kennedy Allen – Minges Brook Elementary, Mrs. Comer
Morgan Palmer – Olivet Middle School, Mrs. Turner
Thomas McLane – Olivet Middle School, Mrs. Brewer
Ariana Saifollahi – St. Joseph Elementary, Mrs. LaLonde
Sae Kato – Minges Brook Elementary, Mrs. Comer
Noah Lopshire – LaMora Park Elementary, Mrs. Olaniyi
5th Grade Best Writing:
Hannah Wezensky – Marshall Middle School, Mrs. Douglass
Emily Huepenbecker – Marshall Middle School, Mrs. Price
Liam Russell – Marshall Middle School, Mrs. Price
Riley Brownell – Marshall Middle School, Mrs. Price
Alexandra Costin – St. Joseph Elementary, Mrs. Rench
Bronwyn Carter – Olivet Middle School, Mrs. Miller
5th Grade Best Illustration:
Lauren Milne – Marshall Middle School, Mrs. Douglass
Tori Westmoreland – Marshall Middle School, Mrs. Douglass
Josie Herman – Marshall Middle School, Mrs. Hulkow
Lucas Meyer – Olivet Middle School, Mrs. Miller
Brad Heidenreich – Marshall Middle School, Mrs. Hulkow
Nicholas Insley & Allyson Smith – Valley View Elementary, Mr. Richards
5th Grade Best Overall Book:
Juliana Unger – St. Joseph Elementary, Mrs. Rench
Julia Hope – Marshall Middle School, Mrs. Douglass
Carlee Kitchen – Valley View Elementary, Mr. Richards
Jane Turner – Olivet Middle School, Mrs. Turner
Hannah Swank – Valley View Elementary, Mr. Richards
Hannah Pearl & Kameron Haley – St. Joseph Elementary, Mrs. Rench
Congratulations to all participants, teachers and families!
MILLER COLLEGE ANNOUNCES FINAL ROUND WINNERS IN CHILDREN’S PROJECT
The community panel of judges for the Miller College Children’s Literature Project has selected thirty final round winners in the categories of Best Writing, Best Illustration and Best Overall Book. Winners will be celebrated at the Awards Dinner being held at the Holiday Inn on Wednesday, March 17th at 6:00 pm. Over 200 students, families, teachers, principals and community members will be in attendance to congratulate the finalists. Author and illustrator, David Small, and wife and author, Sarah Stewart, will be keynote speakers at the event discussing their secret to success while publishing “The Money Tree”.
An anthology book is available for a minimum $10.00 donation and includes all 27 of the final chosen books. To get this one of a kind item, please call Jenny at Miller College, (269) 660.8021.
Community judges included: Liz Voorheis, Willard Library; Karen Howe, Binder Park Zoo; Zadie Jackson, Retired, Miller College; Jack Mawdsley, Retired Educator; Barbara Comai, The Miller Foundation; Susan Fuchs, Kellogg Community College Faculty; John Rasmussen, Miller College English Faculty; Darlene Hunt, Harper Creek Community Schools; and Judy VanZanten, Binda School of Dyslexia.
Miller College, Binder Park Zoo, Barnes & Noble Booksellers of Battle Creek, The Art Center of Battle Creek, B.C. Hockey Revolution, Willard Library and the Downtown Battle Creek Partnership have graciously donated prizes for the winners. In conjunction with the “Spring Into The Arts” event held annually by the Downtown Battle Creek Partnership, students will have artwork and books on display. The finalists will also have the opportunity to host live reads of their books throughout the evening. That event takes place downtown on May 14th.
Miller College would like to congratulate the following students for their outstanding achievement. Nearly 1,000 students participated in the inaugural Project; the final 30 are listed below:
BEST ILLUSTRATION • 3RD GRADE 1
st Place, Sasha Bottom, “The Pencil Lesson”
2nd Place, Amy Beebe, “The Magical Art Supplies”
3rd Place, Anna Hagood, “The Magic Fishbowl” BEST ILLUSTRATION • 4TH GRADE
1st Place, Kenneth Wojcik, “Super Guy”
2nd Place, Morgan Mowry & Sherriden Nichols, “Pigs”
3rd Place, Maxwell Soderberg, “Laser Tag” BEST ILLUSTRATION • 5TH GRADE
1st Place, Lauren Milne, “Herman, The Dancing Turtle”
2nd Place, Tori Westmoreland, “The Magic Tree”
3rd Place, Nicholas Insley & Allyson Smith, “To Save the Iceberg” BEST WRITING • 3RD GRADE
1st Place, Zachary Seivert, “The Smashed Pumpkin Lesson”
2nd Place, Jake Beronja, “The Pretzel Adventure”
3rd Place, Carledo White, “The Lost Wolf” BEST WRITING • 4TH GRADE
1st Place, Josh Millikin, “Double Trouble”
2nd Place, Jackson Maduri, “The Great Journey”
3rd Place, Bethanie Simons, “Going to Grandma’s House” BEST WRITING • 5TH GRADE
1st Place, Liam Russell, “Obstacles”
2nd Place, Hannah Wezensky, “9/11”
3rd Place, Emily Huepenbecker, “There Was A Tree Trunk” BEST OVERALL BOOK • 3RD GRADE
1st Place, Mallory Bandlow, “The Worst Goldfish Ever!”
2nd Place, Ryan Reincke, “Healthy Fruits”
3rd Place, Ruben Rosas, “Turtles Are Cool” BEST OVERALL BOOK • 4TH GRADE
1st Place, Ariana Saifollahi, “Larry the Goofball Elf”
2nd Place, Kennedy Allen, “The Coconut Island Adventure”
3rd Place, Morgan Palmer, “The Beach in the Morning” BEST OVERALL BOOK • 5TH GRADE
1st Place, Julia Hope, “Hoping: The True Story of My Mother’s Battle Against Cancer”
2nd Place, Hannah Swank, “The Eco-Twins”
3rd Place, Kameron Haley & Hannah Pearl, “The Diary of Cookie the Chowhound”
Image from "The Mouse and his Child" used with the permission of David Small. Copyright 2001.
Image from "Ruby Mae Has Something to Say" used with the permission of David Small. 
Image from "The Friend" used with the permission of David Small. Copyright 2004.
Image from"Fenwick's Suit" 
t) would be really fun. I don’t care if I win, I just think it’s fun.”
College Children's Literature Project. Inspiration for the stories varied from action-packed "Candy Wars" by fifth grader, Javian Hodges, to a romance book with a prince and princess by fourth graders, Marisol Vazquez and Ka'Leeya Ellis, to a book titled "Eco Twins", by fifth grader, Hannah Swank, a story about two superheroes saving the planet. 
and schoolmates visited their station to learn more about their book. 
Former Art Instructor and Fine Artist, Mrs. Acheson did a tremendous job of pushing each student’s level of creativity in both the writing and the illustration of their books. When asked if they were amazed by their own ability, each and every student responded with a definite “YES!”. 
In December, schools were asked to submit no more than six books per category, Best Writing, Best Illustration and Best Overall Book. 430 submissions were turned into the College at the start of Christmas break.