Sassy’s Vacation a Hit with Students

This past fall, Sue Kies, Sassy’s Vacation author, again enjoyed reading her book and visiting with Andrea Ackerman and Tonya Kopp’s Cuba City first graders. Sue, a retired Platteville High School English teacher, shared her childhood experience that led her to write about Sassy and how she went about putting the story together with illustrator Ric Genthe.

"Elementary schools celebrate books and reading daily, to have a local author connect and share their story (especially when the story is about a place many of our students can access) with our students is an amazing opportunity to bolster those celebrations. We are so thankful to Sue Leamy Kies for presenting her story and for the donors who put books in the hands of each student," said Jason Holzemer, Cuba City Elementary Principal.

Andrea Ackerman shared: “Having Sue visit our classroom and share her experience is something I look forward to each year. While we read the book, I noticed students were fully immersed in the story. Once students found out they got to keep their own copy, they were so excited! What a wonderful experience for all involved. We are so thankful to Sue for sharing her story with us and to all the donors that made this possible.”

Gene Weber, PCA board member, noted: “We appreciate Sue for sharing her story and providing all proceeds from the book to the Platteville Community Arboretum enabling PCA volunteers to keep the trail nice for all the children and families to visit. Our sincere gratitude to Tricia Tranel (Applied Micro) and the Cuba City Lions Club for enabling all the first graders to get a complimentary book.”

“I’ve always loved reading and know how important books are in sparking imagination and building knowledge. Since my own kids attend CCES, it felt meaningful to support something that will benefit their classmates and peers. I’m grateful for the chance to help encourage a love of reading at such an important age,” shared Tricia Tranel.

Theresa Kaiser, Cuba City Lions Club Treasurer, noted: “The club is proud to announce its ongoing commitment to promoting literacy and education by supporting books in schools. As part of our mission to empower communities and foster lifelong learning, the Cuba City Lions Club is dedicated to ensuring that every child has access to the resources they need to succeed academically and beyond. Education is the cornerstone of a prosperous society, and access to quality books is essential for nurturing young minds. By supporting schools with books, the Cuba City Lions Club aims to bridge the educational gap and provide students with the tools they need to explore new worlds, develop critical thinking skills, and achieve their full potential.”

The Cuba City Lions Club is happy to help the 1st graders at Cuba City Elementary School by purchasing the Sassy’s Vacation books “to help them develop their reading skills.”

Platteville Westview Elementary School, Lancaster St Clements, Immaculate Conception Holy Ghost of Dickeyville-Kieler and Cuba City St Rose elementary students have enjoyed the hundreds of Sassy’s Vacation books that have been funded by many area donors over the last several years.

You can find Sassy’s Vacation at the Platteville Regional Chamber or the Driftless Market. If you want to sponsor copies for area school children, contact Gene at geneweber4@gmail.com. The plan is to work with area schools and donate copies every year.

FYI: Sue is working on a new children’s book... about beavers...