Consider lending your time and talents to the Steinbeck Center and the young students who will participate on their day of writing on March 6 or March 8. There are two ways to get involved. Volunteer as a writing coach and give students feedback on their essays or volunteer as a general volunteer and help with the logistics of the event.
-VOLUNTEER WRITING COACHES:
As a volunteer writing coach you would be committing to 3 hours on either Monday, March 6 or Wednesday, March 8 (they especially need coaches for Wednesday). During the three hours at the Steinbeck Center you will:
- receive a brief training on how to assist our students
- be paired with a student and provide feedback on the student's essay.
To sign up, please download the volunteer writing coach forms here and submit the completed Coach Participation Form to marci@chatterboxpublicrelations.com.
-GENERAL VOLUNTEERS:
Volunteers are needed to help coordinate the Steinbeck Young Authors Days of Writing. Ten to 15 volunteers are needed to assist National Steinbeck Center staff with minor tasks, such as:
-student check-in and departure
-guiding students to and from various activities within the NSC, and
monitoring activity rooms and replenishing writing supplies.
Days of Writing are Monday, March 6 and Wednesday, March 8 from 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM at the National Steinbeck Center. If you are interested in volunteering for one or both of these days, please contact amy@steinbeck.org or call (831) 775-4728.
Showing posts with label writing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label writing. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 28, 2017
Friday, May 6, 2016
Salinas student wins Central Coast Writers short story contest
Victoria Mazariegos, a senior at Millennium Charter High School in Salinas, is the top winner in the first Central Coast Writers short story contest for Monterey County high school seniors. Mazariegos won $500 for her story, “The Boy Who Found His Ears,” the tale of a deaf boy who discovers refuge, solace and hope in a graffiti-covered freeway underpass.
Congratulations to Victoria and her parents, Eduardo and Silvia Mazariegos. Victoria plans to attend the UC-Davis in the fall with the goal of becoming a veterinarian.
The short story contest of the Central Coast Writers is designed to encourage and inspire the next generation of creative writers, as well as to carry out its mission of educating writers of all ages and interests. Open to all Monterey County high school seniors, the contest awarded over $1,000 in prizes and was themed around a photograph of a graffiti-covered tunnel taken by member Ken Jones.
Judging was conducted by members of Central Coast Writers with backgrounds in either education or publishing, and was based on the overall quality of the writing, the development of the story, and the mechanics of writing. Retired educator and College Board consultant Leslie Patiño was the contest chair.
Other awards included:
Second place—Katharine Tinney, Salinas High School
Third place—Jenna Garden, Salinas High School
Honorable mentions—Sheldon Ozaeta, Millenium Charter High School; Andrea Resendiz, Greenfield High School; Tatjana Tam, Carmel High School
The winning stories are posted on the Central Coast Writers website,
Congratulations, writers! Write on!
Congratulations to Victoria and her parents, Eduardo and Silvia Mazariegos. Victoria plans to attend the UC-Davis in the fall with the goal of becoming a veterinarian.
The short story contest of the Central Coast Writers is designed to encourage and inspire the next generation of creative writers, as well as to carry out its mission of educating writers of all ages and interests. Open to all Monterey County high school seniors, the contest awarded over $1,000 in prizes and was themed around a photograph of a graffiti-covered tunnel taken by member Ken Jones.
Judging was conducted by members of Central Coast Writers with backgrounds in either education or publishing, and was based on the overall quality of the writing, the development of the story, and the mechanics of writing. Retired educator and College Board consultant Leslie Patiño was the contest chair.
Other awards included:
Second place—Katharine Tinney, Salinas High School
Third place—Jenna Garden, Salinas High School
Honorable mentions—Sheldon Ozaeta, Millenium Charter High School; Andrea Resendiz, Greenfield High School; Tatjana Tam, Carmel High School
The winning stories are posted on the Central Coast Writers website,
Congratulations, writers! Write on!
 |
| Leslie Patiño and Victoria Mazariegos |
Friday, February 21, 2014
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.
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.
Thursday, January 16, 2014
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.
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.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
York teacher creates online grammar resource
So you're correcting 40, 80, 160 essays, and the same errors keep popping up: it's when it should be its. It's so frustrating!
Kevin Brookhouser, humanities teacher at York School, has created a website with videos, quizzes and badges that hill help address those grammar errors. As Brookhouser explains, "each grammar issue has a short URL that teachers can provide students instead of mere correction. For example, if a student uses the wrong "its," the teacher can simply comment "grmr.me/its" to direct the student to the page that provides a video lesson, a quiz, and a badge reward system for submitting the quiz correctly."
The site is becoming so popular it's gotten over 100,000 views on Brookhouser's YouTube channel, he says.
Go ahead, give it a try! And let me know how it goes!
Kevin Brookhouser, humanities teacher at York School, has created a website with videos, quizzes and badges that hill help address those grammar errors. As Brookhouser explains, "each grammar issue has a short URL that teachers can provide students instead of mere correction. For example, if a student uses the wrong "its," the teacher can simply comment "grmr.me/its" to direct the student to the page that provides a video lesson, a quiz, and a badge reward system for submitting the quiz correctly."
The site is becoming so popular it's gotten over 100,000 views on Brookhouser's YouTube channel, he says.
Go ahead, give it a try! And let me know how it goes!
Thursday, January 17, 2013
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
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
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Of teaching literature, non-fiction, and the Common Core Standards
In his latest post for the National Association of Scholars, "How the Internet Ruined the Teaching of Literature," Monterey Peninsula College English instructor David Clemens decries how current technology is changing student habits for the worse: they are so used to be fed images they no longer find it pleasurable -- or necessary -- to read literary classics. Students also fail to acquire the necessary knowledge in grammar, history, or morality attached to the works. He writes it much more eloquently that I ever could, so take a look.
You're probably aware that California schools are in the process of changing their teaching practices to accommodate Common Core Standards. One of the main components of Common Core is switching emphasis from literature to works of non fiction. Instead of analyzing "Catcher in the Rye," students will now focus on an equivalent in the non-fiction world, like the biography of a famous leader.
Given the changes the Internet has brought about in the literary scene, and how students are no longer finding it "fun" to learn from the literary masters (it's all about fun these days for young people), maybe the Common Core standards have arrived just in time. Now the challenge for educators will be to make learning "fun" within these confines, and keep ahead of the Internet!
You're probably aware that California schools are in the process of changing their teaching practices to accommodate Common Core Standards. One of the main components of Common Core is switching emphasis from literature to works of non fiction. Instead of analyzing "Catcher in the Rye," students will now focus on an equivalent in the non-fiction world, like the biography of a famous leader.
Given the changes the Internet has brought about in the literary scene, and how students are no longer finding it "fun" to learn from the literary masters (it's all about fun these days for young people), maybe the Common Core standards have arrived just in time. Now the challenge for educators will be to make learning "fun" within these confines, and keep ahead of the Internet!
Monday, June 18, 2012
Write the summer blues away...
It's likely not how children would choose to spend their summer vacation, but I'm willing to bet it's probable the best way. Continuing their education. Writing in a fun way.
The National Steinbeck Center is offering one and two week writing camps for children in the 6th through 9th grades. Each week campers will have the opportunity to work on their writing skills through journaling, fiction and nonfiction writing exercises and exploring different authors, including John Steinbeck. Week 1 and Week 2 will feature different guest speakers who will encourage students to explore their creative writing skills and push themselves to become stronger writers.
Week one takes place July 16-20. Week two July 23-27. From 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Cost: one week, $150 per student, two weeks, $250 per student.
For more information or to register, call Phillip Saldana at 775-4721.
The National Steinbeck Center is offering one and two week writing camps for children in the 6th through 9th grades. Each week campers will have the opportunity to work on their writing skills through journaling, fiction and nonfiction writing exercises and exploring different authors, including John Steinbeck. Week 1 and Week 2 will feature different guest speakers who will encourage students to explore their creative writing skills and push themselves to become stronger writers.
Week one takes place July 16-20. Week two July 23-27. From 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Cost: one week, $150 per student, two weeks, $250 per student.
For more information or to register, call Phillip Saldana at 775-4721.
Monday, May 14, 2012
Congratulations, Steinbeck Younth Authors!
The National Steinbeck Center hosted the Steinbeck Young Authors’ ceremony on May 5 during its 32nd Annual Steinbeck Festival.
This year’s award ceremony featured author Francisco Jimenez with an inspirational talk about searching for the American dream. In addition, all of the student essays are published in the Gabilan Journal.
This year's award winners are:
Danicia Alfaro from La Paz Middle School
Natalie Rose Carbonel from Madonna del Sasso School
Yadira Chávez from Harden Middle School
Ryan Griffin from San Benancio Middle School
Anna Gumberg from San Benancio Middle School
Jacqueline Hernández from La Paz Middle School
Daira Hipólito from Main Street Middle School
Julia Hwang from All Saints' Day School
Paul Kunz from International School of Monterey
Julianne McCoun from Madonna del Sasso School
Jovany Medrano from La Paz Middle School
Daniel Rodríguez from Main Street Middle
Ellie Skromme from San Antonio Elementary
Mattie Trainor from International School of Monterey
Sonia Vargas from La Paz Middle School
Megan Wasson from San Benancio Middle School
The Steinbeck Young Authors Program consists of three stages: a classroom component for all students, a Day of Writing event for teacher-nominated students, and an Awards Ceremony. Steinbeck Young Authors’ teachers select two students to attend a special Day of Writing at the National Steinbeck Center, where they write an essay combining their personal life experiences and their studies of The Red Pony. They are then paired with a volunteer writing ‘coach.’ A panel of experts judge the students’ works over a two-week period.
Since it began, over 20,000 students have participated from public and private schools throughout California and beyond. Teachers report that participating students demonstrate increased confidence in their writing skills and develop a new self-image as a writer at a pivotal time in their development.
This year’s award ceremony featured author Francisco Jimenez with an inspirational talk about searching for the American dream. In addition, all of the student essays are published in the Gabilan Journal.
This year's award winners are:
Danicia Alfaro from La Paz Middle School
Natalie Rose Carbonel from Madonna del Sasso School
Yadira Chávez from Harden Middle School
Ryan Griffin from San Benancio Middle School
Anna Gumberg from San Benancio Middle School
Jacqueline Hernández from La Paz Middle School
Daira Hipólito from Main Street Middle School
Julia Hwang from All Saints' Day School
Paul Kunz from International School of Monterey
Julianne McCoun from Madonna del Sasso School
Jovany Medrano from La Paz Middle School
Daniel Rodríguez from Main Street Middle
Ellie Skromme from San Antonio Elementary
Mattie Trainor from International School of Monterey
Sonia Vargas from La Paz Middle School
Megan Wasson from San Benancio Middle School
The Steinbeck Young Authors Program consists of three stages: a classroom component for all students, a Day of Writing event for teacher-nominated students, and an Awards Ceremony. Steinbeck Young Authors’ teachers select two students to attend a special Day of Writing at the National Steinbeck Center, where they write an essay combining their personal life experiences and their studies of The Red Pony. They are then paired with a volunteer writing ‘coach.’ A panel of experts judge the students’ works over a two-week period.
Since it began, over 20,000 students have participated from public and private schools throughout California and beyond. Teachers report that participating students demonstrate increased confidence in their writing skills and develop a new self-image as a writer at a pivotal time in their development.
Monday, May 7, 2012
Attention middle and high schoolers: Carmel Authors & Ideas wants you
Deadline for students and teachers to sign up for Students day of the 2012 Carmel Authors & Ideas Festival is May 18, so hurry up!
Since 2008, Student Days at the Carmel Authors & Ideas Festival has brought local students to higher order thinking in a broad array of ideas through interaction with award winning authors and highly accomplished individuals.
This year, the event will be held on September 27 and 28.
Past presenters have included Justice of the Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor; former Secretary of State and Stanford University Professor Condoleezza Rice; Khaled Hosseini, author of "The Kite Runner," "A Thousand Splendid Suns;" Seymour Hersh, Pulitzer Prize winning investigative journalist; Frank Portman, author of "King Dork;" Doris Kearns Goodwin, Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer and historian; John Grogan, author of "Marley & Me;" and dozens of other highly accomplished and inspirational people.
For more information on the festival, click here.
To receive a registration packet, contact Ron Eastwood at eastwood@monterey.k12.ca.us or 755-0396.
Since 2008, Student Days at the Carmel Authors & Ideas Festival has brought local students to higher order thinking in a broad array of ideas through interaction with award winning authors and highly accomplished individuals.
This year, the event will be held on September 27 and 28.
Past presenters have included Justice of the Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor; former Secretary of State and Stanford University Professor Condoleezza Rice; Khaled Hosseini, author of "The Kite Runner," "A Thousand Splendid Suns;" Seymour Hersh, Pulitzer Prize winning investigative journalist; Frank Portman, author of "King Dork;" Doris Kearns Goodwin, Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer and historian; John Grogan, author of "Marley & Me;" and dozens of other highly accomplished and inspirational people.
For more information on the festival, click here.
To receive a registration packet, contact Ron Eastwood at eastwood@monterey.k12.ca.us or 755-0396.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Read Across America is March 2, Steinbeck day of Writing March 12
and it would be a good opportunity to volunteer.
So contact your local school and find out of they're "Reading Across America" and sign up! -- I know some schools are going to celebrate it, and if you want me to list you, drop me a line.
The green movie "The Lorax" will open also in movie theaters March 2, so expect the environmentally concerned mustachioed creature to be ubiquitous. And maybe read from its story.
You may also want to volunteer for a day of writing! The Steinbeck Young Authors program hosts a Day of Writing for young authors to enhance their writing skills, and discover the works of John Steinbeck. A good book and strong teachers inspired himself—a combination Steinbeck organizers hope will motivate students to discover the power of the written word.
On March 12, dozens of students gather at the National Steinbeck Center to receive one-on-one writing mentorship from a coach. The students then have time to re-write their essay. A panel of experts judges the final products, and the selected winners are invited to an award ceremony.
So, if you have some time to spare on March 12, sign up! I've done it several times and it's very rewarding to help our young students. For information, contact Sandra Silva at 831-775-4729 or email at Sandra@steinbeck.org.
So contact your local school and find out of they're "Reading Across America" and sign up! -- I know some schools are going to celebrate it, and if you want me to list you, drop me a line.
The green movie "The Lorax" will open also in movie theaters March 2, so expect the environmentally concerned mustachioed creature to be ubiquitous. And maybe read from its story.
You may also want to volunteer for a day of writing! The Steinbeck Young Authors program hosts a Day of Writing for young authors to enhance their writing skills, and discover the works of John Steinbeck. A good book and strong teachers inspired himself—a combination Steinbeck organizers hope will motivate students to discover the power of the written word.
On March 12, dozens of students gather at the National Steinbeck Center to receive one-on-one writing mentorship from a coach. The students then have time to re-write their essay. A panel of experts judges the final products, and the selected winners are invited to an award ceremony.
So, if you have some time to spare on March 12, sign up! I've done it several times and it's very rewarding to help our young students. For information, contact Sandra Silva at 831-775-4729 or email at Sandra@steinbeck.org.
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