Morris Elementary School Wins Exemplary Reading Program Award

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LENOX, Mass. — Morris Elementary School has received the Exemplary Reading Program Award from the Massachusetts Reading Association (MRA), Superintendent William Collins, and Principal Brenda Kelley announced.
 
"On behalf of everyone at Morris Elementary, we are thrilled to have received this honor," Kelley said. "Literacy is an essential part of student development and a priority at our school. To be honored in this way is a testament to our community's dedication to the growth of our students and the future of our society. Thank you to the Massachusetts Reading Association and the Committee for seeing what Morris brings to the table."   
 
The Exemplary Reading Program Award recognizes outstanding reading and language arts programs at all grade levels across Massachusetts. The award program aims to improve societal literacy, recognize schools with excellent reading and literacy programs, encourage program development and refinement, highlight noteworthy efforts, and share information about high-quality programs to help educators improve instruction.
 
Literacy programs chosen for recognition must demonstrate the following:
  • Alignment with sound theory, research, and practice.
  • Access to diverse literacy and multimedia formats.
  • Student success in reading.
  • Comprehension strategies taught and applied across the curriculum.
  • Integration of all literacies into the reading program.
  • Administrator and teacher leadership for the reading program.
  • An effective Multi-Tiered System of Support.
  • Community involvement in the reading program.
After reviewing the school's application and conducting a site visit, the Award Committee voted unanimously to honor Morris Elementary.
 
Morris Elementary will be recognized at the MRA's 54th Annual Conference in Boston next month and receive a commemorative banner.
 
"It is gratifying for the state's reading association to recognize what we in Lenox already knew, and that is—Morris is a great place to learn," Collins said.
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Marionette Shows At Ventfort Hall for Children

LENOX, Mass. — The puppeteer Carl Sprague will return to Ventfort Hall Gilded Age Mansion and Museum in Lenox with Rapunzel for two holiday vacation week marionette performances. 
 
The dates and times are Saturday, Dec. 27 and Monday, Dec. 29, both at 3:30 pm. The audiences will have the opportunity to meet Sprague after.
 
Sprague, who has appeared annually at Ventfort Hall with his "behind the scenery" mastery, has been a puppeteer since childhood.  He inherited a collection of 60 antique Czech marionettes, each about eight inches tall that were assembled by his great-grandfather, Julius Hybler.  Hybler's legacy also includes two marionette theaters. 
 
Also, Sprague has been a set designer for such motion pictures as "The Royal Tenenbaums" and Scorcese's "The Age of Innocence," as well as for theater productions including those of Shakespeare & Company. 
 
Admission to the show is $20 per person; $10 for children 4-17 and free for age 3 and under. Children must be accompanied by adults.  Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays. Reservations are required as seating is limited and can be made on line at https://gildedage.org/pages/calendar or by calling (413) 637-3206. Walk-ins will be accommodated as space allows. The historical mansion is located at 104 Walker Street in Lenox.
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