Yesterday was probably our most impressive and important day at Shortridge yet. With about 15 volunteers, we helped a seventh-grade science class of upwards of 30 students with an expository assignment, tutored a dozen 10th and 11th graders before and after-school in an effort to keep them on track with their English curriculum, and hosted a lit mag/creative writing club callout meeting that drew 18 emerging writers.

Although we’re at Shortridge to make a positive impact on the school and not to celebrate our own accomplishments, I think everyone who has contributed to our cause deserves a pat on the back for days like yesterday. It was the embodiment of what we dreamed up when this program was nothing more than a paragraph-long course description.

Let’s keep the excitement going and see just how far we can take this. Much gratitude all around.

Although it’s been anything but easy, we’ve had a highly productive first few weeks at Shortridge because of our talented and dedicated volunteers. Our Shortridge literary magazine/creative writing group meets for the first time this Thursday (Sept. 29), which is rather exciting. With signs like the one above coloring the hallways, we’re hoping for a nice turnout.

Shout out to Jenna, Nicole, and the rest of the team for being so crafty.