For Immediate Release

Friday, Dec. 1, 2017

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

*Media Advisory*

Oyster River Schools to Welcome Award-Winning Author

DURHAM — Superintendent James Morse is pleased to announce that the Oyster River Cooperative School District will host award-winning author Kate Messner at three of its school libraries next week.

WHO

Acclaimed children’s book author Kate Messner

WHEN

Monday, Dec. 4 and Tuesday, Dec. 5

WHERE

• Moharimet School (Dec. 4)
• Mast Way Elementary School (Dec. 5)
• Oyster River High School (Dec. 5)

WHAT

Messner, an author of children’s books that have been recognized by the New York Times, the Junior Library Guild and Indie Bound, will visit three Oyster River libraries next week to work directly with students on the art of writing and storytelling. Her book, “The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z,” was the winner of the 2010 E.B. White Read Aloud Award for Older Readers.

At the elementary schools, Messner will focus on more than a dozen books that she’s written, which she will sign for students who have purchased them. She will also meet with students in smaller groups to share her writing process.

At the high school, she will work with students who have just finished first drafts of their own novels as part of National Novel Writing Month. She will then meet with approximately 400 students to discuss the importance of historical research, and how authors turn their research into stories.

Her visit is the culmination of a year-long effort by the librarians at the three schools –Suzanne Tomaszewski, Margaret Kelley and Kathy Pearce — who have worked closely with classroom teachers to ensure that the program is timely and relevant for students and faculty.

“We are all excited to welcome Kate Messner to the district, and for our students to have a chance to meet and learn directly from her,” Superintendent Morse said. “She is an incredibly accomplished writer, and I am grateful for the work our librarians have done to make this happen.”

About the Oyster River Cooperative School District:

New Hampshire SAU 5, the Oyster River Cooperative School District serves 2,100 students in Durham, Lee and Madbury. It is one of the oldest cooperative districts in the state. The Oyster River Cooperative School District has a long history of providing excellent educational opportunities for its students. The District is committed to and supportive of quality education. This commitment and support have helped the district recruit and maintain an excellent teaching staff and outstanding administrative leadership team.

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