10-13-09 Welcome to Stratford School
10-13-09 Dianne de Las Casas sign
Friends:
I arrived in Stratford, California on a cold, rainy day but the reception could not have been warmer. The library clerk, Veronica Bryant, took care of me from the moment we met in the office! What a sweetheart. I was brought to the cafetorium, where I was given a hands-free, wireless headset. Yes!
10-13-09 Dianne de Las Casas at Stratford School with the wirelss headset
I performed assembly programs for the whole school and signed books for EVERY student in the school. Grades K-4 received The Cajun Cornbread Boy while grades 5-8 received Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach. I even did a brief writing workshop for grades 6-8. It was wonderful!
10-13-09 Lower grades watch the show with their books in front of them
Not only did I sign books for the students, I actually personalized all the books, putting their names in them. Yes, my hand felt like it would fall off… LOL, but what a special experience for all the kids!
They had a nice little luncheon for me and the student council, as well as select students had the privilege of eating with me on the stage behind the curtain. It was like our secret hideaway! During lunch, the fire bell went off. But there was no mass pandemonium, the students walked out quickly but orderly. It was resolved within a few minutes and we all went back inside to eat.
10-13-09 The luncheon
The teachers were as enthusiastic as the students, participating in the program too!
10-13-09 Statford students and teachers participate
It was a lot of fun and I really enjoyed my visit at Stratford Elementary!
10-13-09 Dianne on stage in front of a couple hundred students
The 4th graders even acted out The Cajun Cornbread Boy and made character hats for the story. Absolutely adorable!!
10-13-09 Dianne & Statford 4th graders with Cornbread Boy character hats on
My Junior High English teacher visited and watched my show, seeing me perform for the first time. It was such a special moment for me.
10-13-09 Mrs. Karleen Good & Dianne de Las Casas
Veronica Bryant, Mr. Bilbo the principal, the teachers, and the students of Stratford Elementary made my day so very special. I am so honored to have been invited to your school! I hope to return again! And yes, I will sign and personalize more books…
10-13-09 Some of the piles of books Dianne signed
Until next time…
Warmly, Dianne
