Students Celebrate Language Expression as Published Authors
With creativity and determination, students at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School (OLS) in Homewood connect their skills of writing, editing, revising, and art to become published authors! They celebrate their great accomplishment with a special Ultimate Author Day (UAD) celebration each year, honoring their individual writing talents, and learning from numerous professionals who visit their school for the event.
In preparation for UAD, the students in grades K3 through eighth grade work on writing and illustrating their very own book or another form of written medium. Each grade is given a special classification or type of writing to use. The classes have their books published by a company that prints and produces a personal softbound book for the students to keep.
In the spring, the entire student body enjoys their gift of writing, as well as other types of language expressions during UAD. Similar to the structure of a professional seminar, the children attend breakout sessions that include workshops, sharing discussions, entertaining performances, and literature-based activities presented by experts and specialists at the school. As a part of the day’s celebration, all of the student books are displayed for everyone to enjoy throughout the event. “UAD began nine years ago in an effort to increase the amount of time students at OLS spend on expressive writing, to improve the quality of their writing, and to begin writing with our students at a much younger age,” said Cindy Westbrook, UAD Chairperson and Kindergarten teacher. “It is amazing how we have seen tremendous growth in all areas through this program!” she said.
OLS fosters the religious, academic, and social development of every student, K-3 through eighth grade, recognizing that knowledge enlightened by faith and realized through service is at the heart of Catholic education. To learn about the school and its Shadow Days call the office at (205) 879-3237.
EWTN news anchor and best-selling author Raymond Arroyo visited Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School as a part of its Ultimate Author Day celebration last year.
- Mary Stephens Pugh, Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School, olsschool.com
