NOTICE: This post is over 180 days old. This information may be outdated if you're looking for new or upcoming information.
The 8th National Ambassador for Young People's Literature Visits Newburgh
The Newburgh Enlarged City School District was 1 of 4 school districts selected in the United States by the Library of Congress to host Meg Medina, the 8th National Ambassador for Young People's Literature. Medina’s national tour is to engage readers through her initiative Cuéntame!: Let’s talk books. Inspired by the Spanish phrase that friends and families use when catching up with one another, Cuéntame! builds connection in classrooms, libraries, communities and within families.
On Tuesday, June 13th, the first stop of Medina's tour led her to the Newburgh Free Library for an open discussion with the Newburgh community. She engaged with the audience about her early years growing up in Queens, New York as a young women of Cuban descent and how it shaped her personal journey with books and storytelling. She recounted memories of her family members and teachers that instilled the confidence in her to create stories of her own.
During her visit to the library, Medina inspired students and families to experiment with “book talks” — the process of sharing books to start conversations and build excitement about reading. She emphasized books and stories as part of everyday life, encouraged story sharing and conversation between friends and within families, and highlighted the amazing resources of the library as a welcoming place for every family to explore, learn, and connect. After being interviewed by a Newburgh Free Academy scholar, Medina then took photos with children and their families and signed copies of her books.
On Wednesday, June 14th, Medina then visited Horizons on the Hudson (HOH) Elementary School as her second stop in Newburgh. A panel discussion featuring herself alongside HoH librarian, Mrs. Michell Wright Jumpp, was held for HOH and select scholars from Balmville Elementary. Medina discussed what she personally loves about books and storytelling to the children. She also reflected on the stories that inspired her.
A website was created to commemorate Medina's Newburgh tour stop. Click link to visit the site: Meg Medina Visits Newburgh Website
PHOTOS FROM MEG MEDINA'S NEWBURGH FREE LIBRARY PLAZA VISIT - TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 2023
PHOTOS FROM MEG MEDINA'S HORIZONS ON THE HUDSON VISIT - WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2023
ATTENTION: Are your scholars or colleagues doing something great? Please contact the district Communications Team at communications@necsd.net. We’d love to visit your class or event and/or post your pictures and recap to highlight the amazing accomplishments throughout our district!
