The Mount, Straw Dog Writers Guild 2025 Emerging Writers Residency

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LENOX, Mass. — The Mount and Western Massachusetts' Straw Dog Writers Guild announced the nine writers selected for the 2025 Residency for Emerging Writers.
 
The 2025 residents will be working on developing their respective works at The Mount for one week each, between March 3 and March 21.
 
Submissions were reviewed anonymously and ranked based on quality of writing, originality of voice, and the potential for growth as a writer.
 
"It was here at The Mount that Edith Wharton hit her stride as a novelist, writing The House of Mirth, the novel that launched her to new heights of literary success. We are honored to welcome these nine writers to The Mount to work on bringing their own unique voices and stories to the world," said Susan Wissler, The Mount's Executive Director.
 
Patricia Pin, Straw Dog Writers Guild's Executive Consulting Director added.
 
"I am struck by the creative diversity of the residents in the fourth year of the program and the partnership between The Mount and Straw Dog Writers Guild. This year's residents are multi-disciplined, and their writing speaks to their lived experiences in varied careers," she said. "I look forward to reading more of their work."
 
This is the eleventh year The Mount has offered writers an opportunity to create at The Mount and its fourth year partnering with Straw Dog Writers Guild. The revamped residency now focuses on writers who are developing their craft. Applications open in September each year onedithwharton.org.

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Morris Elementary School Wins Exemplary Reading Program Award

LENOX, Mass. — Morris Elementary School has received the Exemplary Reading Program Award from the Massachusetts Reading Association (MRA), Superintendent William Collins, and Principal Brenda Kelley announced.
 
"On behalf of everyone at Morris Elementary, we are thrilled to have received this honor," Kelley said. "Literacy is an essential part of student development and a priority at our school. To be honored in this way is a testament to our community's dedication to the growth of our students and the future of our society. Thank you to the Massachusetts Reading Association and the Committee for seeing what Morris brings to the table."   
 
The Exemplary Reading Program Award recognizes outstanding reading and language arts programs at all grade levels across Massachusetts. The award program aims to improve societal literacy, recognize schools with excellent reading and literacy programs, encourage program development and refinement, highlight noteworthy efforts, and share information about high-quality programs to help educators improve instruction.
 
Literacy programs chosen for recognition must demonstrate the following:
  • Alignment with sound theory, research, and practice.
  • Access to diverse literacy and multimedia formats.
  • Student success in reading.
  • Comprehension strategies taught and applied across the curriculum.
  • Integration of all literacies into the reading program.
  • Administrator and teacher leadership for the reading program.
  • An effective Multi-Tiered System of Support.
  • Community involvement in the reading program.
After reviewing the school's application and conducting a site visit, the Award Committee voted unanimously to honor Morris Elementary.
 
Morris Elementary will be recognized at the MRA's 54th Annual Conference in Boston next month and receive a commemorative banner.
 
"It is gratifying for the state's reading association to recognize what we in Lenox already knew, and that is—Morris is a great place to learn," Collins said.
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