Sunnyside Elementary School
Kellogg, Idaho

As a result of increased funding for professional development through the "No Child Left Behind" Legislation, the staff of Sunnyside School was given the opportunity to bring a children's author to Sunnyside School to work with our staff and students on writing and other literacy skills. As a result, Bruce Hale, Writer Guy, author of the Chet Gecko, Private Eye series and other books, spent two days with us.

He began the first day with a visit to the morning Kindergarten classroom...reading from one of  his books and telling students about the process of writing...

He then met with the first, second, and third grade students and spoke about the writing process...the yellow-orange color of the pictures is the result of the lighting in the gymnasium.
    

  There followed a period where the students could have their copies of Mr. Hale's books autographed...each student received a copy of one of his books to keep as part of the project.
               

After lunch, the afternoon Kindergarten arrived and prepared for Bruce Hale's visit with surf dancing to a Beach Boy's tune...

      
When Mr. Hale, arrived he was welcomed by the class ambassadors, Anthony and Emalie.  He then began his presentation to the class.

After the Kindergarten visit, Mr. Hale presented to the fourth and fifth grades in the gym.

Mr. Hale began the second day with a session in the gym with the Kindergarten and two of the first grades...he again read from one of his books and spoke of the importance of having a dream...the second half of the morning saw the second and third grade students spending time with Bruce in the gym as well.

After lunch, Mr. Hale finished the day and his visit with presentations to the afternoon Kindergarten and one of the first grades.  The photographer was unable to get pictures of that session.

The fourth and fifth grades were next...Mr. Hale again talked about the writing process and read from one of his books.  He also donned an artist's beret and discussed the art of illustrating books as he gave a demonstration as to how to draw his character Moki the Gecko and other cartoon animals and people.

We say "Aloha" to our friend Bruce Hale and thank him for spending time with us.  He has inspired us to be better writers and entertained us with his stories. We encourage others to read his books and enjoy his story telling.

We also thank two of our teachers, Mrs. Kilbourne and Mrs. Webb, as well as Karen Ball, one of our dedicated Sunnyside parents, for making Mr. Hale's visit possible.  It was a special two days!