Authors Talk Too ~ Listening for Literacy Spring 2008

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

We are happy to report that to date we have been able to send authors to over 25 Boston public schools, reaching 4,000 students with a message of encouragement and inspiration in areas of reading, writing and drawing. Thanks to the generosity of Mr. Frank Ward, we have successfully completed a pilot program to Boston Catholic schools in Dorchester, reaching over 1,000 students with the message that being capable at reading and writing is an attainable goal. Wal-Mart has made it possible to reach Title I schools in Framingham, as well as Providence and North Kingstown, Rhode Island. Authors Talk Too appreciates our sponsors and the mutual commitment they have to education and literacy.

Authors Talk Too partnered with Boston After School and Beyond to speak to the students attending the after school program at Fitfield School in Dorchester. One of their goals is to partner with other organizations to enhance “out of school time” to build upon its strong commitment to academic tutoring, adding enrichment activities and support services. Authors Talk Too had a great time speaking with these enthusiastic students. Boston After School and Beyond provided books for each child in attendance.

Authors Talk Too also partnered with a wonderful organization called Generations, Inc. that held a very special night time event at Nathan Hale Elementary School in Roxbury. The students had worked hard to finish a “Read-a-thon” and were treated to a “Pajama Party” that included parents, pizza, dessert, books and reading. Authors Talk Too was the educational entertainment. Generations, Inc. connects older members of the school community to the students for support in reading. They have on-site coordinators in 13 Boston Schools. They even include a staff of AmeriCorps volunteers. Everybody wins!

Partnering with Friends of Young Achievers at Young Achievers School in Jamaica Plain, Authors Talk Too opened the Community Meeting to talk about writing books, illustrating and the importance of practice and perseverance.

I have been very fortunate to have seen, first hand, such outstanding efforts from Boston Public Schools administration and staff and the many non-profit organizations that work quietly and diligently for the benefit of students. Education is the most important single effort in bringing positive change for society. Sometimes I think many of these organizations are “unsung heroes“, but I also know that it doesn’t matter… it’s all about the children. The rewards and results are evident, obvious and great.

After speaking at M. J. Perkins School in South Boston, Principal, Barney Brawer shared a project that he had taken on, with help from the Perkin’s art teacher, (and many other helpful grown-ups). He worked, on his own time, with students who had an interest in a bit of history that happened in their back yard. He published a book, titled, “Why do We Celebrate Evacuation Day?” The book, written and illustrated by Perkins students certainly answered my questions on the subject and reminded me of a piece of history I had almost forgotten. The book is being sold at Barnes and Noble in Harvard Square. The proceeds go to a fifth grade College Scholarship Fund. Students earn money for their education, through their writing efforts…what a great idea!

At Young Achievers I saw (and definitely heard) a group of student drummers practicing. Lead by music their teacher, this talented group of percussionists are students who were chosen to participate because of their positive efforts in academic studies. I could have listened to this serious musical incentive all day. The group meets before school. What a way to greet classmates to a new school day…pounding, loud, bring on the learning…with attitude.

Authors Talk Too would like to announce and welcome Albert Barbieri to the Board of Directors. Mr. Barbieri is an attorney in Harvard, Ma. He serves on many boards including those of educational interest in Harvard. His expertise and advice will be valued.

I would also like to welcome Sannie Rejndrup, who will be working with Authors Talk Too in the area of grant writing. Sannie has been co-chair for Needham Creative Arts Council, and grant writer/initiator for Curriculum Enhancement Committee for Newman School in Needham. We embrace this logical, creative thinker. She is an international business and modern language major from Copenhagen, Denmark. Sannie is one of those people who simply understands the need of the program and will help us accomplish our long term goals.

We can’t wait for summer! Thanks to Boston Public Library Foundation, Authors Talk Too will present a summer program for all 26 Boston Public Library neighborhood branches this summer. (Schedule posted on web site home page). Working with Koren Stembridge, User Services Manager for Boston Public Library, we have 16 popular children’s authors and illustrators lined up to speak to young patrons of each BPL branch. We hope to encourage children to read beyond their summer reading lists. Children will also be asked to participate in a writing project called, Summer Snowballs, which will result in a special book, written for each branch. This will be fun!

Thanks to the generosity of Suzanne Joyce, Authors Talk Too is offering services to Camp Harbor View. Arrangements are being made for Valerie Tutson, African American Story teller to offer her inspirational stories to entertain and delight this special summer camp audience.

As a non-profit Authors Talk Too is providing sponsorship to a special play space being built by children’s author, Irene Smalls at the Dudley Library in Roxbury. Irene’s new book, Jonathan and His Mommy, lead to this industrious, community project. Authors Talk Too is proud to have a small role in making this happen.

I would like to thank Frank Ward for being very patient with this growing company. Mr. Ward has been supporting our efforts from the beginning and while our program achievements have been great, finding funding has certainly been a challenge. But, we remain optimistic that sources will recognize the merit of this unique literacy program. Our results have seen outstanding reviews.

You can help the efforts of Authors Talk Too by forwarding this newsletter to inform any group or individual you think might be willing to help. Your efforts are heartfelt and very much appreciated.

Best regards for a happy Spring and Summer. You are invited to attend any author visit in Boston neighborhoods this summer.

Barbara McGrath, Director
Authors Talk Too