ST. AUGUSTINE SCHOOL WELCOMES BEST SELLING AND LOCAL PUBLISHED AUTHORS THROUGH SAAILS PROGRAM

**Due to the blizzards/snow, several SAAILS events were rescheduled. Dates have been updated.**

Saint Augustine School of Andover will welcome several best-selling and local published authors and illustrators as guests of the newly created program, SAAILS (St. Augustine Authors and Illustrators Literary Series). For years, St. Augustine School’s Cultural Enrichment Committee has brought unique academic programming to the school in the form of artists, musicians and scientists, to broaden student curriculum and further enhance what is being learned in the classroom via language arts, social studies and world cultures. The SAAILS series further extends the Committee’s efforts with the addition of best-selling authors and illustrators.

Each day of the SAAILS event was designed to introduce a new author or illustrator to not only showcase their works, but teach and explain the creative process, what it is like to be an author, as well as how books become movies. Students and parents alike are invited to participate and become inspired by each scheduled guest. Additionally, one of the SAAILS authors and Andover resident Kirsti Call, will host a writing workshop with each grade level to introduce story essentials, captivating first lines, and creative writing from start to finish.

The schedule of SAAILS events is as follows:

Monday, January 26, 2015 from 9:15 am – 10:30 am Author Salena Casha, daughter of St. Augustine School’s Mary Casha who teaches 4th grade, will kick off the weeklong series by reading one of her many ebooks, Stacia’s Sticky Situation, which teaches the concept of static electricity. She will then lead students through experiments using magnets. (www.salenacasha.com)

** Wednesday, April 1st from 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm and 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm Author/Illustrator Marty Kelley, a former 2nd grade teacher, will lecture about the writing process (idea generation, rough draft composition, final editing). As a frequent speaker, his upbeat approach and digital slide show will cement writing basics for all ages. To compliment his second passion, illustration, Mr. Kelley will also host an evening lecture on illustration during which he’ll create ‘live’ drawings for his audience. (www.martykelley.com)**

**Thursday, April 2nd from 1:30 pm-2:30 pm and 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm With more than 19 best sellers to his credit, respected Massachusetts-native Michael Tougias bring his own New England flair to the writing world with maritime survival stories and hands-on journeys through colonial New England. While visiting St. Augustine’s, Tougias will take visitors on an historic journey as the Pilgrim’s first landed on Plymouth Rock through a discussion of his book, King Philip’s War, accompanied by a hands-on presentation of historic artifacts that will bring history to life. In his evening presentation, he will share the true heroic and gripping account of the U.S. Coast Guard’s most daring sea rescue which took place off the coast of Cape Cod in 1952. His book, The Finest Hours, which is currently being made into a movie (Disney), regales the tale in depth. He’ll share his experience in how to interview subjects and then tell stories through the eyes of those who lived it, as well as how books become movies. (www.michaeltougias.com)**

Thursday, February 12th from 9:00 am – 10:00 am Andover resident, mother of five, and author Kirsti Call will present The Raindrop Who Couldn’t Fall, a story that helps young children understand that learning to do things is not always easy, and sometimes it takes the support and love of others to succeed. Her message is simple: every person has a unique story inside of them and only they can share it with the world. In addition to sharing her own book, Ms. Call will meet with each grade level to lead students through the process of writing, focused on story essentials, captivating first lines, and inspirational conclusions. With her help, students will be encouraged to do some of their own writing, for which they can earn extra credit. (www.kirsticall.com)

**Thursday, February 26th from 9:30am-10:30am Andover resident and author, Yana Barton, will visit St. Augustine School’s Nursery and Pre-K to read, Super Dad, a simple story about a dad and his love for kids. Ms. Barton will discuss the love parents and children share throughout the seasons and all year long. All proceeds from her book sales are donated to local children’s charities. (http://superdadbook.com)**

About St. Augustine School

Founded in 1914 by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, Saint Augustine School (26 Central Street Andover, Mass.) provides a high-quality Catholic education to children Nursery through Grade 8 within an environment supporting, encouraging and nurturing spiritual, intellectual, social and personal growth. St. Augustine School celebrates its strong Catholic identity, promotes academic excellence and fosters respect and justice for all individuals. Through its dedicated group of educators committed to teaching and learning in the Catholic tradition, St. Augustine School recognizes the unique gifts in each child and remains committed to helping each child reach their full academic, social and physical potential. For more information visit St. Augustine School at: www.staugustineandover.org.

**DUE TO THE SNOWSTORM/BLIZZARD, SOME GUESTS HAVE BEEN RESCHEDULED. UPDATED DATES CONFIRMED ABOVE**