MRA Café-Coffee and Conversations
Welcome to the September updates of the Massachusetts Reading Association. MRA Café is a monthly publication that connects our members, inspires joyful collegiality, shares insights into literacy education, and celebrates success stories.
September Book Suggestions
As always, it seems that September arrives much sooner than expected. I hope you’ve had time this summer to rest, recharge, and enjoy quiet moments with family and friends before the excitement of a new school year begins.
As summer days start to fade, then come the familiar back-to-school dreams, or nightmares, for some! Many educators, myself included, can relate to these anxious moments before school starts: walking into a classroom overflowing with someone else’s belongings, receiving a class list that suddenly includes several new students, or realizing you have shown up for the first day of school on the wrong day! While these dreams may feel all too real, they also remind us how deeply we care about our students and the year ahead.
We’ve got this! Our students arrive with the same mix of excitement and uncertainty, wondering what the new year will bring. By year’s end, they will leave with new knowledge, growing confidence, lasting friendships, and cherished memories of the welcoming classroom community you created together.
As you prepare for another rewarding school year, we hope the following book suggestions inspire you and help you begin the year with enthusiasm and joy!
Sister Madelon Honor Council Award
MRA is pleased to recognize the following local councils for their efforts in promoting literacy over the past year. Local and Special Interest Councils support MRA’s mission through their activities, projects and service to MRA and the literacy community. The purpose of the MRA Sister Madelon Honor Award is to commemorate councils’ achievements in supporting literacy. As MRA celebrates the achievement of its Local and Special Interest Councils, we also recognize that all councils experience different phases of growth, membership, leadership, finances, and activity. Therefore, this award is designed with three tiers so that every council can choose to participate at the level that works for them. Remember, MRA is here to support our Local Councils every step of the way!
Left to Right: Jeanne Conley (Greater Boston), Jacqueline Duffy (SERRC), Terrie Marr (Co-chair), Liz Colantuonio (Greater Boston), Nancy Witherell (Co-chair), Elaine Bukowiecki (MACURE), Mary Weatherby (Cape Cod), Marley Jallah-Deveaux (Nobscot).
Upcoming Local Council Events
Thursday, September 10, 2026, 4:30 - 6:00 Cape Cod Reading Council Meet & Greet, Anchor & Vines Wine Bar, 4 Market Street, Mashpee Commons. Complimentary appetizers & charcuterie. No charge, but RSVP appreciated.
Tuesday, October 13, 2026, 4:30 - 6:00 PM, Southeast Regional Reading Council (SERRC) ~ The Ever-evolving World of Children’s Nonfiction featuring Melissa Stewart - Fireside Grille, 30 Bedford Street, Middleborough. . ($40) Register Here
Thursday, October 22, 2026, 4:00 - 6:00 PM, Cape Cod and South Shore Reading Councils ~ Fall Workshop featuring Dea Paoletta Auray - From Reading to Evidence: Teaching Students to Analyze, Cite, and Write with Purpose. Sponsored by Empowering Writers. Dan’l Webster Inn, Sandwich. ($20) Register Here
2027 MRA Conference on the Horizon
Save the date for MRA’s 56th Annual Conference
March 3-5, 2027
at the Boston Marriott Newton Hotel in Newton, MA
MRA information
The Massachusetts Reading Association is a professional non-profit organization of individuals whose primary purpose is to improve the quality and level of literacy in the state of Massachusetts. The MRA is affiliated with the International Literacy Association (ILA), a worldwide literacy organization. Our Mission The mission of the Massachusetts Reading Association is to promote literacy for all learners through professional development, research, publications, and advocacy.