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Future Scientists Learn Physics

On Friday morning, May 28th, two third-grades at PS 142 in Lower Manhattan enjoyed a visit from science writer and Authors Read Aloud, Calla Cofield, who gave several demonstrations illustrating physics concepts. One demonstration concerned a homemade “air punch” (an empty oatmeal container and a plastic bag). Another involved a “water balloon” in which she held a balloon filled with water (and secretly containing a small strip of tape) over a teacher’s head. When she stuck a pin into the taped part, no water was released (however in one class the demonstration backfired—to the delight of the children—and the teacher got soaked!)

Perhaps the favorite exercise was one demonstrating the law of gravity, in which a cup of water was balanced in the center of a wooden circle held by three ropes. When Calla swung the circle upside down (very fast) the cup of water magically (or not so magically) stayed intact.

Afterwards, the children drew a picture of the demonstration that intrigued them most.

Learning Leaders Authors get "Schooled" on Reading

Volunteers from the Authors Read Aloud, BookTalk, and Room to Write programs gathered for an evening of illuminating discussion and demonstrations. Rhonda Levy, principal at PS 147, kicked off the discussion with examples of how balanced literacy has changed individual student lives, showing student-authored books and letters. She next introduced two staff developers from the Reading and Writing Project at Teacher's college, Shana Frazin and Rebecca Cronin. Ms. Frazin spoke about the impact of balanced literacy on students' abilities to take ownership of their reading and writing skills. Ms. Cronin demonstrated a vibrant and interactive read-aloud, encouraging participants to "turn and talk", act out the characters, and share their ideas about the narrative. Amy Swauger, Director of Teacher's and Writer's Collaborative, spoke about focusing on an "end-product" (book, newsletter, or performance) to engage in a creative celebration of work inspired by teaching artists. She also spoke about collaborative writing as a way to encourage participation and socialize the creative process. Participants left the Literary Lift event energized and full of new ideas.

Esther Hautzig

Beloved Volunteer

[November 4, 2009] - Children's book author Esther Hautzig passed away on November 1st in New York City.  While Hautzig's literature for children and young adults was widely known and admired, her volunteering in classrooms in the South Bronx was largely unknown - except to generations of third graders at P.S. 30, which she visited several times a year to convey the magic of writing and books, every year from 1992 to 2008.”Hautzig volunteered in the elementary classrooms of P.S. 30, a school serving children from low-income families in the South Bronx, one featured in Jonathan Kozol's book, Ordinary Resurrections.  According to Principal Roxan Marks, who arrived at P.S. 30 in 2003, Hautzig was devoted to working with the youngsters and supporting the school.  She visited classrooms at least four times a year through Authors Read Aloud, supported the library by arranging donations of books, and kept coming even when her fellow volunteers moved on to other schools.  She was often accompanied by her husband, Walter.

Hautzig's remarkable life and literary output was summarized in The New York Times on November 4, 2009.  "Such dedication on her part," remembered Marks, "She felt a connection.  It was nice that someone of her stature came to be with these kids."

In addition to her work with the youngsters of P.S. 30, Hautzig also conveyed her love of the visual arts to children through the ArtWorks program.  She was compelled to stop volunteering in 2008 when her health intervened.

Learning Leaders issued this statement: "We mourn Esther Hautzig, beloved author and public school volunteer, who devotedly shared her love of writing, books and the arts with students from 1992 to 2008, particularly the students of P.S. 30 in the South Bronx. We extend heartfelt condolences to her family and her husband, Walter."

Learning Leaders 2009 Opening Meeting

[September 24, 2009] Learning Leaders kicked off the school year with the annual Opening Meeting on September 24 on the beautiful campus of Columbia University -- a new location for the annual event. The PS 84 Rhythm Band provided percussion selections during breakfast, while volunteers took cell phone pictures that were instantaneously viewed on the screen.

Commissioner of Immigrant Affairs Fatima Schama provided the keynote address for the 1,000 Learning Leaders in attendance. Also on hand to honor and celebrate the volunteers were Caroline Kennedy; City Council Speaker Christine Quinn; NYC Schools Chancellor Joel Klein; Deputy Chancellor for Teaching and Learning, Santiago Taveras; and Chief Parent Engagement Officer, Martine Guerrier. Chancellor Klein commended exemplary Learning Leaders volunteer, Nubia Moreno and John Barnes, Principal of the Bronx Early College Academy, for helping to foster positive school environments through volunteerism.

Couldn't attend this year? No problem! Excerpts are available on youtube.com or click here to view photos of the event.

Learning Leaders at Work

Check out some of the photos displayed at the “Learning Leaders at Work” reception held on June 18, 2009 at Baruch College. All of the photos presented at the event were captured by members of the Professional Women Photographers: Carol Fassler, Patricia Gilman, Jane Hoffer, Andy Mars, Sheila Smith and. Karen Smul. PWP is an active group of over 200 photographers. Many members work full-time; some work part-time, and still others work as photo editors, researchers and curators. Each year, the community service committee of PWP partners with a non-profit organization and provides professional quality photographic services for its use. The event helped mark the end of the 2008-2009 school year and served as a thank you to all of our volunteers and PWP for their incredible gift to us!