HCLA: Changing Literacy in the Howard County Community since 1961
Events and Happenings
2023-2024
2023-2024
November 27, 2023
Book Tastings Around the World Event: Stop# 3 Royal Taj
Special thanks to our event sponsors:
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Enjoy the video capturing "Book Tastings Around the World" Stop #3 India, Hosted by the Royal Taj
October 2, 2023
Events and Happenings
2022-2023
January 25, 2023
Book Tastings Around the World Event: Stop# 2 Asia: Korea: ChoSun Hwaro
December 6, 2022
Book Tastings Around the World Event: Stop#1 Central America "Pipilinka"
November 30, 2022
FIRST TIME EVER...Publisher Showcase, Dinner and Paint Night!
October 6, 2022
Wine and Cheese Social: Membership Drive and Guest Speaker Event!
Wine and Cheese Social: Membership Drive and Guest Speaker Event!
Raise your glass to a new HCLA/SoMLA Year! |
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SOMLA’s 50th Annual Conference (Virtual)
March 31 - April 2, 2022
REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
The 50th SoMLA Conference is now open for registration. We are using Eventbrite again this year. The link below with take you to our page in Eventbrite. You will find the Virtual Conference Schedule, the amazing speakers, and a variety of great topics. Should you have any questions about the conference contact the Conference Chair: Kelly Davis
The conference link: SoMLA's 50th Annual Conference Registration
CHECK OUT OUR LINE-UP OF SPEAKERS FOR SOMLA'S 50TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE
March 31 - April 2, 2022
REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
The 50th SoMLA Conference is now open for registration. We are using Eventbrite again this year. The link below with take you to our page in Eventbrite. You will find the Virtual Conference Schedule, the amazing speakers, and a variety of great topics. Should you have any questions about the conference contact the Conference Chair: Kelly Davis
The conference link: SoMLA's 50th Annual Conference Registration
CHECK OUT OUR LINE-UP OF SPEAKERS FOR SOMLA'S 50TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE
January 8-March 5, 2022
SATURDAY SESSIONS
Did you know HCLA members are automatically SoMLA members? The State of Maryland Literacy Association (SoMLA) is pleased to announce a series of professional learning opportunities beginning on January 8, 2022. Sessions will be held on selected Saturdays, January through March,
between 9:00 am -12:00 pm EST leading up to the SoMLA Conference 2022.
Saturday Sessions are being offered free of charge to members. The state organization simply requests that you join your local SoMLA council if you are not currently a member. Membership to your local council, which runs from July 1 through June 30, is $30 and includes membership to SoMLA. A link to the SoMLA membership portal can be found here https://www.somla.online. Indicate your local council on the registration form.
Session dates and times can be accessed using the following link. (link to the flier).
December 13, 2021 7:00PM
Author Event & Demo for a Holiday Chocolate Confection!
You are invited to attend an evening with Leon Langford, author of StarLion: Thieves of the Red Night. @Applebooks picked Langford's book to be featured in their Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale! This is a great gift for young-adult readers. Learn about the process from ideas to publishing along with Langford providing a summary of the book.
We will end the evening with a special demonstration on how to make a chocolate centerpiece creation, perfect for the holiday season and new year. All are welcome!
Date: Monday December 13, 2021
Time: 7:00-8:00PM
RSVP by Dec 13th to Kelly Davis [email protected] **
Join Zoom Meeting Information
https://somla-online.zoom.us/j/87405435082
Meeting ID: 874 0543 5082
**NOTE: All HCLA members that attend will receive a free digital version of the book (sent to your email)
If you are not a HCLA member and want to join, visit the "Welcome and Join" tab on our website.
Book Summary:The Gods of Olympus were real. In fact, the great Olympian Forefather Zeus was the forefather for such historical giants as Thor and George Washington. But that was long ago, now the descendants of the Gods have new jobs: Superheroes. In a world where power and myth have walked hand in hand, professional heroes serve alongside humanity to combat those who would use their Gifts for evil.
After gravity-manipulating teen, Jordan Harris is arrested for vigilante activity, he is given a simple deal: go to jail or go undercover in the nation's most prestigious superhero training academy - Fort Olympus. His academy work comes second as he uncovers a conspiracy that threatens not just the city of Houston, but the world. While Jordan is used to working on his own in the dark of the city, he must soon learn about teamwork and confront his own shortcomings which leads him from vigilante, to criminal, to hero.
October 5, 2021
Thank you to all who attended our membership drive and guest speaker event!
Thank you to all who attended our membership drive and guest speaker event!
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Mark your calendar! April 15, 16, 17 2021
Look who's coming to our SoMLA 49th Annual Conference!
Look who's coming to our SoMLA 49th Annual Conference!
THANKS TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATED IN OUR MASK EVENT, SUPPORTING HCLA!
Our Fundraiser WAS here! We are grateful for all of you who purchased masks to support our organization and vision: Literacy, and Justice, for ALL!
The Howard County Literacy Association (HCLA) is selling 3-ply, cotton, "Literacy and Justice for All" face masks as a fundraiser to support the Young Authors' program and our community outreach projects: Books for Babies, International Literacy, and Laundromat Literacy. Explore our for descriptions of these projects along with pictures.
Each mask is $6.00 and will be paired with a gift of literacy, a book! Payment will be through PayPal or check. Masks will be ponied to HCPSS schools or offices. If you do not work in a HCPSS office, arrangements for delivery will be made. To order, complete the form below.
Each mask is $6.00 and will be paired with a gift of literacy, a book! Payment will be through PayPal or check. Masks will be ponied to HCPSS schools or offices. If you do not work in a HCPSS office, arrangements for delivery will be made. To order, complete the form below.
To order your masks, scan the qr-code or select the link to the right.
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Three ply cotton face mask with conference 2022 logo: Literacy, and Justice, for ALL!
Free delivery to any HCPSS School or office. Other delivery arrangements can be made by contacting Kelly Davis: [email protected] Order Form: HCLA Mask *as of 1/23/21 all masks are sold! THANK YOU!
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January is National Reading Month
Enjoy these three diverse book collections! Select a book cover for a direct link to each read aloud.
1/4/21
Book Study Group
Made for Learning: How the Conditions of Learning Guide Teaching Decisions. We are dedicated to keeping ourselves updated on best literacy practices and research. All are welcome for a monthly gathering to review a section of the book. Authors Brian Cambourne and Debra Crouch will join us in the spring to unpack our learning, answer questions, and plan for future conversations. If interested, contact [email protected]. Our next meeting is 1/4/21 at 8:00 pm. Book information: https://www.rcowen.com/
1/12/21
Teachers of Readers of Children's books
Special HCLA Member Event: Teachers of Readers of Children's books will meet Tuesday January 12th from 4:15-5:15 to discuss Look Both Ways by Jason Reynolds. Please contact Jen Davis at [email protected] if you are interested in joining us.
1/14/21
SoMLA Special Event: Climbing Virtual Mountains
Join us for an edCamp-inspired event for ideas and strategies to enhance instruction and engage students during virtual instruction... and beyond.
January 14, 2021 from 7:00-8:45
Door Prizes!
Register: https://somla-online.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIlfuquqjotGdbSNpKR9xkDc_iDPAxKM2NZ
Zoom code will be sent when you register.
Enjoy these three diverse book collections! Select a book cover for a direct link to each read aloud.
- Free eBook Library shelves Black Lives matter
- Barbershop Books eBooks and Video recordings of reading.
- Multiple Library shelves from collaborators across the country *SafeTube links are not working. There are several books linked using YouTube that work.
1/4/21
Book Study Group
Made for Learning: How the Conditions of Learning Guide Teaching Decisions. We are dedicated to keeping ourselves updated on best literacy practices and research. All are welcome for a monthly gathering to review a section of the book. Authors Brian Cambourne and Debra Crouch will join us in the spring to unpack our learning, answer questions, and plan for future conversations. If interested, contact [email protected]. Our next meeting is 1/4/21 at 8:00 pm. Book information: https://www.rcowen.com/
1/12/21
Teachers of Readers of Children's books
Special HCLA Member Event: Teachers of Readers of Children's books will meet Tuesday January 12th from 4:15-5:15 to discuss Look Both Ways by Jason Reynolds. Please contact Jen Davis at [email protected] if you are interested in joining us.
1/14/21
SoMLA Special Event: Climbing Virtual Mountains
Join us for an edCamp-inspired event for ideas and strategies to enhance instruction and engage students during virtual instruction... and beyond.
January 14, 2021 from 7:00-8:45
Door Prizes!
Register: https://somla-online.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIlfuquqjotGdbSNpKR9xkDc_iDPAxKM2NZ
Zoom code will be sent when you register.
Mark your calendar! April 15, 16, 17 2021
Look who is coming to SoMLA 49th Annual Conference.
Look who is coming to SoMLA 49th Annual Conference.
Tuesday, October 27, 2020
Thank you Chris Barton for making our event so special!
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Join HCLA in welcoming bestselling author Chris Barton on October 27! Participates will not only join Chris Barton, but will also walk away with THREE diverse, virtual book collections that are easily shareable with students!!
Teachers as Readers of Children's Books
Meet with Chris Barton
Teachers as Readers of Children's Books
Meet with Chris Barton
September 30, 2020
Don't miss our first Virtual Membership Drive!
Wednesday September 30, 2020
4:30-6:30
Learn who we are, what we do, and how we take action for "Literacy, and Justice, for ALL!"
Stay the entire time or for a few minutes...whatever works for your schedule.
Wednesday September 30, 2020
4:30-6:30
Learn who we are, what we do, and how we take action for "Literacy, and Justice, for ALL!"
Stay the entire time or for a few minutes...whatever works for your schedule.
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February 26, 2020
Thank you Booksource and Okapi for sponsoring this event!
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Share HCLA's Book Tasting Event!
On Wednesday February 26, 2020 the Howard County Literacy Association (HCLA) is hosting a Book Tasting! Participants will examine libraries & explore books. The session will focus on this guiding question: Does your classroom or school library reflect a balanced collection considering equity, diversity, inclusion, and components of Social Emotional Learning? Join us for an engaging session stressing the importance and rationale for having diverse books in your classroom and school library. Examine books to ensure that diversity, equity, inclusion, and components of Social Emotional learning (SEL) are represented. Criteria for book review will be offered during this “book tasting” experience. Engage in collaborative conversations around books! We will share how to access and use free online tools from Booksource for choosing classroom titles and evaluating the diversity in your current classroom library materials…and each attendee will receive some books highlighted in the presentation. |
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November 18, 2019
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Thank you Maria!
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FEATURED AUTHOR, SPEAKER MARIA NICHOLS
On November 18, 2019 the Howard County Literacy Association (HCLA) is hosting our first virtual event featuring author and speaker, Maria Nichols. Maria is the author of several books including best-sellers Comprehension Through Conversation and her latest book, Building Bigger Ideas: A Process for Teaching Purposeful Talk. Maria will provide "book tastings" and share information about her works. Participants are welcome to ask questions and post comments during the session. Learn how Maria’s work supports the conversations you have and facilitate with your students, all day long! Date: Monday November 18, 2019 Time: 4:30-5:10 Location: anywhere you choose with internet access, your laptop, tablet, or phone *must join Zoom.com ahead of time To Join Meeting:
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October 23, 2019
Thank you Benchmark Education for sponsoring this event!
Tomorrow, our Howard County Literacy Association (HCLA) is hosting a special event featuring speaker Patty McGee. Feedback that Moves Writers Forward: How to Escape Correcting Mode to Transform Student Writing
Patty's sessions received rave reviews at last weeks ILA Conference. Thank you Benchmark Education for sponsoring Patty McGee. This session is going to be outstanding! Patty will join us for happy hour afterward at UNOs. More fun and time to chat 🙂 |
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September 24, 2019
See you tonight, September 24th at Greene Turtle!
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The Howard County Literacy Association is holding its annual membership kick off event at Greene Turtle, 8872 McGaw Rd Suite C, Columbia, MD 21045, from 4:30-6:30 pm. Come out and enjoy food, company, and hear about how you can get involved!
Please contact Kelly Davis, Chapter President at [email protected] with questions. |
March 28, 2019
A Young Published Author is Landing at Veteran Elementary!
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Come join the Howard County Literacy Association for an opportunity to meet an published children's author!
Meet Robert Gregory III on Thursday, March 28th from 4:30-5:30 pm at Veterans Elementary School! See the flier below for details: |
Celebrating our Young Authors!
The Howard County Literacy Association is proud to announce the winners of the Young Author's Contest. Please see their names below. Congratulations to all of our finalists! Their entries will be submitted to the state level.
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November 8, 2018
What's in Your Classroom Library?
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The Howard Literacy Association in partnership with Booksource is hosting a presentation on the importance of having a classroom library stocked with books for striving readers! Thursday, November 8. 2018 from 4:30-6:30 pm at Veterans Elementary School. RSVP HERE: https://goo.gl/otTwgC |
Join us for A Meet and Greet at the Greene Turtle in Columbia!
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The Howard County Reading Chapter is hosting a Meet and Greet at Greene Turtle, 8872 McGraw Road Suite C, Columbia, MD 21045 on Monday, September 24th starting at 4:30 pm. Bring a friend and RSVP here---> HCRC Meet and Greet
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Get your Spring Swag while supplies last!
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The Howard County Reading Council will be able accepting orders for T-Shirts sizes small through XXL.
STEPS TO A SUCCESSFUL ORDER - Complete the form here: T-Shirt Order Form -Make your checks payable to the Howard County Reading Council -Mail your check via pony or mail to Swansfield Elementary School, Attn: Keynora Greenwood WITH A PRINTED COPY OF YOUR ORDER FORM ENCLOSED. |
The Winners of the 2017-2018 Young Authors' Contest are announced!
Wednesday, January 31, 2018
The Howard County Reading Council would like to congratulate the following students on receving first place or honorable mention in this year's Young Author's Contest.
Thank you to all educators who served as judges, and promoted the initiative, and thank you to all students who participated!
The Howard County Reading Council would like to invite staff, students and community members to Barnes and Noble for the HCRC Young Authors' Contest Reading Day.
HCRC Young Authors' Contest Reading Day
Sunday, April 29, 2018
11:30 AM-3:30 PM
Barnes and Noble (Children's Section), Long Gate Shopping Center
4300 Montgomery Road, Ellicott City, MD 21043
First Place and Honorable Mention winning authors from grades 2-8 will be on stage reading their poems and short stories.
Please come to support these students in their accomplishment! Please also consider supporting the Reading Council initiative called "Books for Babies". A portion of the proceeds from sales on April 29, 2018 will be donated to this program, in which we provide books for every baby born at Howard County General Hospital in the month of January, which is Reading Month.
Teachers As Writers Workshop is Quickly Approaching
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January 31, 2018
The Howard County Reading Council has rescheduled its Teachers as Writers Gathering. It will now take place on Thursday, February 15th starting at 4:30 pm. Hot Cocoa and conversations will be had! Please RSVP to Monica Gilliam and Karen Manlove by February 9th. |
HCRC Announces the opening of the Annual Young Author's Contest!
October 26, 2017
The Howard County Reading Council is once again requesting entries for the Young Author's Contest. The contest is open for all students grades 2nd-8th, and entries can be submitted in the form of poetry or a short story. Please see the flier and documents below for more information.
Get to writing and good luck!
The Howard County Reading Council is once again requesting entries for the Young Author's Contest. The contest is open for all students grades 2nd-8th, and entries can be submitted in the form of poetry or a short story. Please see the flier and documents below for more information.
Get to writing and good luck!
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HCRC Kicks Of "Popcorn Eating Campaign"
October 1, 2017
Stop "Popcorn Reading" and Start Popcorn Eating! The Howard County Reading Council is selling popcorn to raise money for its community outreach programming. Please see the flyer below.
Stop "Popcorn Reading" and Start Popcorn Eating! The Howard County Reading Council is selling popcorn to raise money for its community outreach programming. Please see the flyer below.
Kathy Bumgardener is Coming to Howard County!
April 12, 2017
The Howard County Reading Council will be hosting the renowned Kathy Bumgardner for their end of the year event on Thursday, April 20th from 4:30-6:00 pm. Come learn ideas for anchor charts, close readings, and collaborative conversations! RSVP by clicking here.
The Howard County Reading Council will be hosting the renowned Kathy Bumgardner for their end of the year event on Thursday, April 20th from 4:30-6:00 pm. Come learn ideas for anchor charts, close readings, and collaborative conversations! RSVP by clicking here.
Author Alert: Ms. Katrina Kearney-Hill
January 26, 2017
The Howard County Reading Council will be hosting an Evening with Katrina Kearney-Hill, an educator at Guilford Elementary School in our own Howard County on Tuesday, January 31st from 5-7 pm.
Please see the flyer below. RSVP by clicking here.
Hope to see you there!
The Howard County Reading Council will be hosting an Evening with Katrina Kearney-Hill, an educator at Guilford Elementary School in our own Howard County on Tuesday, January 31st from 5-7 pm.
Please see the flyer below. RSVP by clicking here.
Hope to see you there!
January is Maryland Reading Month!
January 6, 2017
The Howard County Reading Council is celebrating Maryland Reading Month! Below is a calendar of events:
The Howard County Reading Council is celebrating Maryland Reading Month! Below is a calendar of events:
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YOUNG AUTHOR'S CONTEST 2016-2017: HCRC now accepting applicants!
November 6, 2016
The Howard County Reading Council is once again accepting poems and short stories from students grades 2nd through 5th to be entered into the Young Author's Contest. Schools set their own internal deadlines in order to meet the county submission deadline of January 6, 2017. Please see the poster below, and attached documents for details.
The Howard County Reading Council is once again accepting poems and short stories from students grades 2nd through 5th to be entered into the Young Author's Contest. Schools set their own internal deadlines in order to meet the county submission deadline of January 6, 2017. Please see the poster below, and attached documents for details.
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Examining the Developmental Stages of Reading: An Evening with Jimi Cannon
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Wednesday, November 9th at Swansfield ES from 5-6 pm.
RSVP today because space is limited! http://tinyurl.com/j795xg3 Registration is now CLOSED!! Stay tuned for other HCRC events.
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The Howard County Reading Council announces annual Meet and Greet
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The Howard County Reading Council will be holding its annual Meet and Greet at Greene Turtle in Columbia, Maryland. The event will take place on Thursday, September 15th starting at 3:30 pm. Bring a friend. Proceeds raised will go to the Howard County Reading Council for community service programming.
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Bryant Woods Elementary School Wins Early Bird Registration Contest!
September 12, 2016
Bryant Woods Elementary School has a reason to brag this morning. The Howard County Reading Council held its first membership competition in honor of our 55th year anniversary. "Our goal is to increase membership by at least 55 members!" says Co-President Judi Hunter. Bryant Woods increased their percentage of membership the most out of all the schools in Howard County. Toni Sommerville, Reading Support Teacher at Bryant Woods was elated that her school won. "I would like to thank all those who renewed their registration and who signed up for the Howard County Reading Council" Early bird registration is still in effect until October 14th. You can register by clicking here.
Bryant Woods Elementary School has a reason to brag this morning. The Howard County Reading Council held its first membership competition in honor of our 55th year anniversary. "Our goal is to increase membership by at least 55 members!" says Co-President Judi Hunter. Bryant Woods increased their percentage of membership the most out of all the schools in Howard County. Toni Sommerville, Reading Support Teacher at Bryant Woods was elated that her school won. "I would like to thank all those who renewed their registration and who signed up for the Howard County Reading Council" Early bird registration is still in effect until October 14th. You can register by clicking here.
Early Bird Registration Contest!
August 22nd, 2016
The Howard County Reading Council, in honor of our 55th year anniversary, is holding a membership drive competition! The school that increases the percentage of its paid membership by Friday, September 9th, will win a bagel breakfast for the Howard County Reading Council members in their buildings! The bagels will be delivered on Monday, September 12th. Click here to register online, and then send payments to Kelli Pope. Good Luck!
The Howard County Reading Council, in honor of our 55th year anniversary, is holding a membership drive competition! The school that increases the percentage of its paid membership by Friday, September 9th, will win a bagel breakfast for the Howard County Reading Council members in their buildings! The bagels will be delivered on Monday, September 12th. Click here to register online, and then send payments to Kelli Pope. Good Luck!
Announcing the End of the Year Celebration:
Gear Down to Gear Up for a New School Year!
When? June 8th, 2016 from 4:30-6:30 pm
Where? Veterans Elementary School
Howard County's very own Ms. Kelli Davis, Social Studies Resource Teacher, and Ms. Traci Jones, Reading Specialist at Phelps Luck, will be presenting on their new books!
We will also hear from a representative of McGraw Hill.
The event is free. Appetizers and dinner will be provided. All you have to do is click here to RSVP.
Hope to see you there!
Where? Veterans Elementary School
Howard County's very own Ms. Kelli Davis, Social Studies Resource Teacher, and Ms. Traci Jones, Reading Specialist at Phelps Luck, will be presenting on their new books!
We will also hear from a representative of McGraw Hill.
The event is free. Appetizers and dinner will be provided. All you have to do is click here to RSVP.
Hope to see you there!
Running Brook Elementary School Celebrates their Young Authors
Friday, February 19, 2016
Running Brook Elementary School held a breakfast to honor the creativity of the Running Brook Authors! There were 17 participants in all. In addition to delicious breakfast, the students each received a certificate for participating in the contest. While the event was taking place, a slide show was displayed recognizing each student and the title of their short story or poem. Parents were invited to attend our celebration. The students also had an opportunity to share their piece with the others at their table. Sara Wolfson, Reading Support Teacher at Running Brook, had this to say about the event: "The students were proud of themselves. They all displayed a sense of excitement and enthusiasm to share this accomplishment with one another. We had 17 participants this year, but we are hoping for even more next year!"
Running Brook Elementary School held a breakfast to honor the creativity of the Running Brook Authors! There were 17 participants in all. In addition to delicious breakfast, the students each received a certificate for participating in the contest. While the event was taking place, a slide show was displayed recognizing each student and the title of their short story or poem. Parents were invited to attend our celebration. The students also had an opportunity to share their piece with the others at their table. Sara Wolfson, Reading Support Teacher at Running Brook, had this to say about the event: "The students were proud of themselves. They all displayed a sense of excitement and enthusiasm to share this accomplishment with one another. We had 17 participants this year, but we are hoping for even more next year!"
The Howard County Reading Council announces the winners for the countywide Young Author's Contest
February 5, 2016
The Howard County Reading Council would like to acknowledge and congratulate the following students for winning the county wide Young Author's Contest. Winners are invited to read their poems and short stories at Barnes and Noble on Sunday April 17th. Come by to hear their outstanding creativity. Purchases made at Barnes and Noble on this day benefit the HCRC Books for Babies program. Mark your calendars for this big day. Thank you for everyone who participated!
The Howard County Reading Council would like to acknowledge and congratulate the following students for winning the county wide Young Author's Contest. Winners are invited to read their poems and short stories at Barnes and Noble on Sunday April 17th. Come by to hear their outstanding creativity. Purchases made at Barnes and Noble on this day benefit the HCRC Books for Babies program. Mark your calendars for this big day. Thank you for everyone who participated!
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Making an Impact: Grassroots Shelter
January 26, 2016 Members of the HCRC deliver books and maintain the bookshelf at Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center, a shelter in Howard County. Pictured to the left are Pam Brazis and Abby Haven, who take care of the Grassroots bookshelf for the Council. Pam is an educator at Phelps Luck ES and Abby teaches at Triadelphia Ridge Elementary School. If you are interested in aiding in this effort, please contact Co-President, Judy Hunter at [email protected]. |
