July 2005
This program supplemented areas in which we work daily such as elaboration, voice, and supporting details. Motivating the students to use all the skills they have been learning in an attempt to get published is a phenomenal idea.
Wood Elementary - Arlington I.S.D
4th Grade Teacher
We love to have Mrs. Beech visit our students! The activities she presents fits in perfectly with our curriculum. She does an excellent job of stressing the importance of writing with the kids. We think this program is invaluable and look forward to seeing her again next year.
Heritage Elementary - Grapevine-Colleyville I.S.D.
4th Grade Teacher
The speaker was very professional. She captivated my students and was able to keep their attention throughout the presentation. I love that we have a tie in to a community newspaper. Please come more often!
STAR Charter School - Austin, TX
7th Grade Teacher
The program fits extremely well into our curriculum as 4th grade is the year students take the Writing TAKS. The presenter did an excellent job reinforcing good writing techniques that are taught (voice, elaboration, word choice, etc.). The kids were engaged and were motivated to write because their work might be published. The presenter did an excellent job! She was upbeat and did well relating to the kids. Her expectations were clear and kids responded in kind! This program gives students the opportunity to see a real world application of the importance and benefits of good writing as a tool to communicate with others. Excellent activities! Thank you so much for coming to Boals! What a great opportunity for our kids.
Boals Elementary - Frisco ISD
4th Grade Teacher
Writing - used words like "details," interesting beginning sentence," and "voice" - all of which support TAKS. Social Studies- story of founder of Greensheet reinforced economics strand of TAKS Social Studies. My students enjoyed the presentation. Ms. Zelkovich has excellent classroom management skills and the kids are excited over the chance to be published. Ms. Zelkovich's approach to enriching the details of a story was excellent. Asking students to repeat directions in a fun and game-like way was very effective. Anything that fosters an interest in writing is helpful. Program and facilitator are great! We want her back next year!!
Back Elementary - Garland ISD
3rd Grade Teacher
This fits perfectly into our curriculum and Meagan spoke the "lingo" as well. Our kids were geared up to do some writing. Meagan had their attention the whole time and the students responded to her methods. Well done! Meagan's presentation was right-on for third grade. Students were eager. She did a great job with visualizing beforehand. Students were excited to have the opportunity to be published. We would love to have you back next year!
Caldwell Elementary - McKinney ISD
3rd Grade Teacher
I want to thank you for bringing your program to our school and allowing our children to express themselves and use their creativity. With the on-going pressure to pass the state TAKS test, sometimes the real reasons to write get put on the backburner and students get lost in prompt writing. My students and others from our campus were just published in the June 01, 2005 publication and it brought tears to my eyes seeing their individuality spread out on the pages of your paper. Many of my students published do not receive awards and struggle to hold a C average. This is an honor and they should be very proud of their work. Your program is wonderful and I wanted to praise your facilitators and staff. We look forward to seeing you next year.
Kings Manor Elementary - Kingwood ISD
4th Grade Teacher
I never even knew this program existed but now I will be calling every year to get my students signed up! The workshop added to our writing curriculum and fit in perfectly with the writing we do in class. The students responded well to Ms. Khatibi and really focused during the presentation. We look forward to next year's visit!
Cathedral School of St. Mary - Austin, TX
4th Grade Teacher