Learning Leaders hosted the third annual Great School Volunteer Week (GSVW) in over 15 schools throughout the City during National Volunteer Week (April 11 – 15). A great time was had by all, as demonstrated by a few of the events below:

Patricia McCormick, well known author of topical novels for older students, visited Brooklyn International High School during GSVW. The 12th graders had just finished reading her book Sold, which made the visit ever the more special. Patricia met with the entire grade to share her experience about writing her book. It was a truly inspiring morning!

Dana Tyler (left), read Richard Wright and the Library Card and Jake the Philharmonic Dog to 3rd grade students at PS 175 in Harlem. The students enjoyed the different aspects of both stories and shared their knowledge of instruments and concert terms with Dana. They were most eager to discuss and ask questions about her career as an anchorperson.

The visit of former NY Knick, Allan Houston with 6th, 7th, and 8th graders at PS 306 in Brooklyn was greeted with enthusiasm by students and staff, alike. All were delighted to have Allan share an inspirational message as well as reinforce the school’s expectations of Respect, Responsibility and Readiness. The talk was followed by a Q&A with the students.

Bridget Starr Taylor visited all four 3rd grade classes at PS 37 in Queens. In each class, she read from her most recently illustrated book, The Truth About Trolls, by Thomas Kingsley Troupe. Throughout the reading, she displayed not only the printed illustrations in the book, but the original drawings. Once completed, Bridget explained to the students the process behind the creation of the characters. Bridget ended each session by quickly sketching and coloring one of the main characters from the story. The students were extremely engaged and fascinated throughout the presentation.

Twenty Alliance Bernstein volunteers hosted 10th and 11th graders from the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis H.S. for a Career Day in their 6th Avenue conference room. Students learned about the company, as well as different careers that can exist within financial corporations. After a fun interactive game and lunch, students were paired with Alliance employees for mock interviews and the opportunity to ask questions of their corporate guests. The day wouldn’t have been complete without a tour of AB’s new trading floor. All of the students left with a Learning Leaders College Planning guide, AB usb drive, pen, pad and a Scholastic book, Smart Money.

Published journal of Room to Write Students' stories thanks to volunteer donations

Seventh and eighth grade students from the Room to Write program at the Bronx Early College Academy read their work for an audience of teachers, parents, and volunteers. The Random House atrium provided a beautiful setting for students to read selections from their short stories – tales that included shape-shifting characters, thrilling chases, exotic landscapes, and even mad scientists. Special-guest, Jenna Ciongoli, Random House editor and Room to Write volunteer, announced the winner of Best Overall Performance to one worthy student, and volunteers Elizabeth Evans and Caren Estesen chose a student from each class to win the coveted Storyteller Award for demonstrating all the best qualities of a Room to Write student.

See the photos!