Last night, hundreds of educators from around the world gathered to kick off the
conference and support literacy in Chicago's public schools at the Books and All That Jazz Bash. The price of admission was one new book for students, and as the educators streamed into the Bash, following the lead of ASCD's own Books Brothers, they deposited their books alongside those donated by Pearson Education and Parents' Choice Magazine.
More than 3,300 books will be donated to Chicago's Title I schools, including contributions from educators from Germany, Manitoba, and Singapore. The Canadian educators brought books reflecting the interests of children in Manitoba, including titles on wolves, the arctic, and hockey.
As educators continued to drop off books, socialize, and celebrate literacy at this party with a purpose, they were entertained not only by the ASCD Books Brothers, but also by their colleagues. Members of New York State ASCD took to the stage in the karaoke contest and kicked their way through "New York, New York." Not to be outdone, members of Illinois ASCD rocked the crowd with "Sweet Home Chicago." ASCD staff got in on the fun, too; the ASCD Jazzettes, feather boas around their necks, sang "All That Jazz."
Amidst all the festivities, Chicago Public Schools student Brijon Burcley thanked the educators for their generosity, observing that "reading gives students a powerful imagination." ASCD President Mary Ellen Freeley encouraged educators to continue their literacy work. "We can write a powerful story for the success of students like Brijon and students worldwide."
Burcley was then awarded her own black hat and sunglasses and was named an honorary Books Sister by the ASCD Books Brothers, who took over the stage and entertained the dancing crowd into the night.
Reporting and photos by Franklin Bradley and John Wilcox.
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