The National Steinbeck Center still needs coaches for Young Authors Day

The Steinbeck Young Authors Day of Writing is upon the National Steinbeck Center, and they still need about 100 people to volunteer.

The program serves about 2,500 Monterey County students. Volunteers are needed from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 3. Writing coaches will attend a volunteer writing training and luncheon, meet one on one with their assigned student, and complete an evaluation form that will help with ongoing development of the Steinbeck Young Authors Program.

The Day of Writing is an occasion to celebrate student writing and introduce students to the works of John Steinbeck and the resources of the National Steinbeck Center. It’s a chance to emphasize the importance of good writing skills and also show the students that their community cares about them and their writing.

To receive a volunteer information form, email sandra@steinbeck.org or call (831) 775-4729.

Writing coaches wanted for Steinbeck Young Authors

The National Steinbeck Center needs volunteers to be one-day writing coaches for their Steinbeck Young Authors event. The day of writing takes place Monday, March 3, from 10:30 a.m. - 1:45 p.m. at the Center, One Main Street, Salinas.

The center needs about 100 coaches. Volunteers receive training, lunch, and the rewarding experience of helping a young person develop his/her writing skills.

To volunteer, email sandra@steinbeck.org or call 831-775-4729.

Attention teachers: Do you want more ideas on how to teach Steinbeck?

This chat is for you then!

Writing coaches needed for the Steinbeck Young Authors program

The National Steinbeck Center is looking for writing coaches for the 10th Annual Day of Writing on Monday, March 11, 2013, a portion of The Steinbeck Young Authors program.

Volunteer coaches are asked to commit about three hours. Coaches receive training and then they help their students improve their essays.

For more information, email Elizabeth Welden-Smith at Elizabeth@steinbeck.org

Hijos del Sol

"Los Hijos del Sol," the talented bunch of young artists led by muralist José Ortíz, are putting up the finishing touches on a mural that will serve as the backdrop for the California Shakespeare Theater production of Steinbeck's "The Pastures of Heaven." Adapted by renowned playwright Octavio Solis, the play will open June 2 and Los Hijos del Sol are scheduled to be part of the inaugural festivities in Berkeley. As a long time, devoted fan of José, I can't help to be excited for him and for the amazing work his students are producing. You rock, hermano!

We continue to celebrate teacher's recognition week, and here's a shout out to the Salinas teachers who have been awarded the "Important to be Nice" prize by ARIEL Theatrical. Teachers from all over Monterey County were nominated and the three finalists are:

* Sharon Nelson, Laurel Wood Elementary School, nominated by Evan Liddle and will be honored on stage with an award presentation at the Saturday, May 8 matinee (2:00) performance of Miss Nelson Has a Field Day at The Wilson Children’s Theatre, located at 320 Main Street, the home of ARIEL Theatrical.

* Lisa Parker, Toro Park Elementary School, was nominated by Hailey Sjoblom and Cole Burk and will be honored at the Saturday, May 15 matinee.

* Jacqueline Bartlett, Buena Vista Middle School, was nominated by Mariah O'Grady and received her award at the May 1 performance.