On behalf of the entire Executive Board, Iíd like to invite you to attend NEATEís annual fall conference at the Sheraton Nashua October 25-27, 2001.  Entitled 2001: A NEATE Odyssey, this yearís conference marks not only the start of a new millennium but also NEATEís 100th anniversary.  The oldest professional subject-matter organization in the United States, NEATE is dedicated to serving the needs of English language arts teachers at all levels.

This yearís conference has much to offer: keynote speakers Dennis Lehane and Linda Rief, dozens of workshops by experienced classroom teachers from throughout the region, exhibits of classroom materials, the always-popular NEATE poet-of-the-year contest, chances to win prizes and mini-grants, and many other activities.  Best of all, attending the NEATE fall conference offers an important opportunity to exchange ideas with other language arts from throughout New England just as the new school year is getting underway.

I look forward to meeting and greeting you personally in Nashua in October.  Be sure to include the Friday afternoon Presidentís Reception in your conference plans.  Itís our annual celebration of the good things we all do for students throughout the year and a time to acknowledge the special contributions of several talented, dedicated teachers.  I hope to see you there.

Bruce M. Penniman
NEATE President

SPEAKERS
Luncheon on Friday with best-selling novelist Dennis Lehane and breakfast on Saturday with renowned educator Linda Rief.

EXHIBITS
A ballroom filled with publishers and educational vendors on Friday.  This is a good opportunity to supplement your classroom materials.  In addition, there will be prizes and giveaways.  Barnes and Noble will be on hand throughout the conference with titles by workshop presenters and speakers.

HARRY POTTER NIGHT
A special event on Thursday Evening (7-9) planned around one of fiction's favorite characters and sponsored by the New Hampshire Association of Teachers of English.  A discussion about how the use of Harry Potter in all levels of education will be held.

MINI-GRANTS
Two grants presented by NEATE annually to assist members in pursuing professional development or creative classroom projects.  You will have two chances to leave with $200 on Saturday, October 27. 

MEMORY BOOK
A special publication commemorating NEATE's 100th anniversary given to each person who attends the conference. 

Outstanding 4-star Accommodations at the Sheraton Nashua
Reserve your room at the Sheraton Nashua NOW and receive the conference rate of $104 (plus tax).  Call the hotel at (603) 888-9970 by October 4 to secure this rate for the conference.