Pat Fontes is a retired school librarian and the co-chair of MSLA Awards Committee.
After recovering from the shock of losing Judi Paradis, former MSLA President, dynamite school librarian, passionate advocate, mentor, warrior for social justice and all-around nice human being, there was a groundswell among MSLA members to develop a fitting program to honor her memory and legacy. To that end, MSLA is excited to announce that the Judi Paradis Action Fund has been established.
After a lengthy and very productive discussion at MSLA Executive Board Retreat on September 14th, eBoard members agreed that the goal of the Fund will be to honor the legacy of Judi Paradis by encouraging school librarians to develop programs that focus on social justice, literacy and collaboration. The eBoard has envisioned that up to $500 will be given each year from donations to MSLA in Judi’s memory.
While we have not yet worked out the details of the application and grant process, we are hoping to be able to make the first grant round available in November, 2019 with the first grant awarded at the 2020 MSLA Annual Conference. Stay tuned for details about the grant process in the MSLA Forum and through MSLA’s social media outlets.
We would like to encourage you to donate to this exciting new program. As of mid-September, we have received more than 52 contributions in Judi’s memory that have brought us within range of our goal of $5,000. Contribute through PayPal or by check payable to MSLA with a note or memo "in memory of Judi Paradis" mailed to MSLA, PO Box 336, Wayland MA, 01778.
If you have questions about this new program, feel free to contact a co-chair of the Awards Committee, Wendy Garland, Ingrid Mayyasi or Pat Fontes.
After a lengthy and very productive discussion at MSLA Executive Board Retreat on September 14th, eBoard members agreed that the goal of the Fund will be to honor the legacy of Judi Paradis by encouraging school librarians to develop programs that focus on social justice, literacy and collaboration. The eBoard has envisioned that up to $500 will be given each year from donations to MSLA in Judi’s memory.
While we have not yet worked out the details of the application and grant process, we are hoping to be able to make the first grant round available in November, 2019 with the first grant awarded at the 2020 MSLA Annual Conference. Stay tuned for details about the grant process in the MSLA Forum and through MSLA’s social media outlets.
We would like to encourage you to donate to this exciting new program. As of mid-September, we have received more than 52 contributions in Judi’s memory that have brought us within range of our goal of $5,000. Contribute through PayPal or by check payable to MSLA with a note or memo "in memory of Judi Paradis" mailed to MSLA, PO Box 336, Wayland MA, 01778.
If you have questions about this new program, feel free to contact a co-chair of the Awards Committee, Wendy Garland, Ingrid Mayyasi or Pat Fontes.