After a few week break to relax and recharge, we will be returning to Shortridge for the second semester of Writing in the Schools on Tuesday, Jan. 17.

If you are new to the project and considering getting involved in the coming months (might I add that it should be a great time to do so), click here for instructions on How to Volunteer and also check out some Frequently Asked Questions. Once you’re cleared to volunteer, keep up to date with our schedule here.

Perhaps you’re interested in catching up with some highlights from the first semester, which ended up being a great learning experience for Butler tutors and Shortridge students alike. To see what BU volunteers have said about the program, click here. For a sampling of the poetry and prose produced by members of Exclusive Ink, Shortridge’s newest creative writing group, click here.

We’re pumped to be back. Stay tuned for more updates.

1. Send a brief e-mail to graduate assistant Chris Speckman explaining your interest in volunteering. You will either be asked to attend one of the volunteer orientation sessions at the start of the school year (dates will be announced soon), or you will receive additional information about the basics of tutoring at Shortridge either via e-mail or through a one-on-one session with one of the project leaders. Those interested can decide to volunteer their services at any point during the Fall semester.

2. Download the Indianapolis Public Schools Volunteer Participation Form, and drop off the completed form at the Writers’ Studio (Jordan Hall, Rm. 304). The form can also be left in Professor Susan Sutherlin’s mailbox, located in the Department of English office (JH 308).

3. Download and complete the IPS Volunteer Criminal History Check Form, and bring it (along with valid personal ID) to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Headquarters (located in Room E101 of the City-County Building, 200 East Washington St.) On-street metered parking is available on the streets surrounding the main entrance of the building, which is located on East Market Street between Delaware and Alabama. Upon entering the City-County building, you will be subject to an airport-like security checkpoint. At the police station, you will have your fingerprints scanned digitally. All charges are waived for IPS volunteers. The background checks are typically completed in three to five days.

4. Once you have received notice of your clearance from graduate assistant Chris Speckman or professor Susan Sutherlin, you will receive e-mail notices (including times and a short agenda) for the days that Butler students and staffers plan to be at Shortridge. By clicking the RSVP link in the e-mail, you will be asked to set up a Google Calendar account, which you can do by using your existing Butler or non-Butler e-mail address. Once your Google Calendar account is active, you can RSVP on this website by clicking the Calendar tab. While it is not necessary to RSVP when your are unable to attend, we ask that you RSVP as far in advance as possible when you do plan to volunteer, so that we have an idea of how many helpers to expect.

5. Before your first session at Shortridge, you will receive instructions about where to park and enter the school, as well as what to do if you arrive in the middle of a particular session (which is perfectly fine, if necessary). Any other questions should be directed to graduate assistant Chris Speckman.