What Participants say about Get Lit! 's Young Writer Programs 2005

"(Fiction writer)Bruce Holbert conducted a creative lesson... He was great! The students enjoyed his teaching style as well as his writing lesson. It is always a pleasure to watch an expert, and they truly enjoyed this one."

Kathy Luden, East Valley High School

"Even though I was supposed to do the teaching, I think I was the one who learned the most. It was encouraging to see such talented, young writers."

Virginia DeLeon, Spokesman-Review staff writer

"My students learned a new way to organize their thoughts and see into the writing better. They were each able to bring new things out of themselves, thanks to Rebecca (Gordon)."

Gary Casebeer, principal, All-Family Montessori.

"Please come again! We need you to help balance the insane 'No Child Left Behind' act."

Bev Saruwatari, Hamblen Elementary School

"This is a tremendously helpful program. As a math/science teacher it helps me reiterate the fact that reading is vital to all subjects."

Pete Whipple, Bowdish Middle School

"Renee (Roehl) was here today for three class periods and she did a wonderful job. She's a great presenter who is very passionate about poetry and really knows how to connect with high school kids. The class period went way too fast."

Sally Lavin, North Central High School

"Our presentation was fabulous! Kelly (Milner Halls) did a great job of reaching 20 sixth graders! She encouraged each child to write, that each one had a story to tell and knowledge to share."

Judy Reavis, Logan Elementary School

"I have grown to just love this event... Books and literature are so alive and well in the elementary classrooms. It warms my heart to know that not all the hype of lazy, too-much-TV-watching children is true."

Guest writer Joelean Copeland, EWU Press managing editor

"I found (Kenn Nesbitt's) rapport with students to be exceptional. I observed him in single class and large group situations. He has a natural ability to interact with children - letting them have their voice and validating their ideas- yet still keep their attention and maintaining focus. I wish all teachers had his skills."

Principal Don Worley, Kettle Falls Elementary

"Claire (Rudolf Murphy) did a great job with my fourth graders. They discovered what it takes to be a writer and learned the process from idea to published book. We were all very interested in seeing what her new book would be like and learning how a writer thought about character and voice within the context of a grand story (all in fourth grade language)!"

Mike Meade, Stratton Elementary, Newport

"The students were totally tuned into Mr. Trueman..."

Principal Steve Waunch, Loon Lake School

"Kelly (Milner Halls) and Claire (Rudolf Murphy) were here yesterday and were a huge hit! We all enjoyed their enthusiasm, energy, and knowledge. We had a Hofstetter Writing Day and created a packet with writing ideas for teachers to use with their students along with the assemblies and workshops offered by Kelly and Claire. At the end of the day we interviewed both Kelly and Claire on our school-wide TV network. The students were riveted to the screen to learn more about these fascinating women. Please keep us on your list for next year and thank you so much for offering this valuable program!"

Katy Adams-Hedrick, Hofstetter School

"Our days with Kelly (Milner Halls) were wonderful---we all enjoyed her visit so much... students were intrigued and entranced with her stories of discovery as she investigated topics to write about; she held them spellbound!"

Principal Rosalie Watters, Sunrise Elementary, Pullman

"Small miracles, every day; some days, big ones."

Poet Dennis Held, after a day at Northport High School.

"The workshop learning was centered on writing skills and the writing process. Kids practiced some of the strategies (Mary Cronk Farrell) presented and enjoyed the change of pace. It was good to see kids learning how to do something just for the sake of learning, not because they were being tested on it."

Ciara Johnson, St. John/Endicott High School

"The day was golden... Kenn (Nesbitt) is a gem. We'll want to book him again next year."

Principal Rebecca McHargue, Tekoa Elementary School.

"They were so excited... A great way to end the rural tour and the type of place it was designed for. Places like Keller should get a writer every year."

Author Claire Rudolf Murphy after a day at Keller Elementary School on the Colville Indian Reservation.

"Both students and staff rate Dennis (Held) as one of the best presenters (writer or otherwise) we've had in Northport."

Kris Nesse, Northport High School