Kalamazoo Young Authors at Linden Grove Middle School
by Mara MacKay, CIS AmeriCorps VISTA

Communities In Schools of Kalamazoo supported a new literacy enrichment program in 2010:  "Kalamazoo Young Authors." Students at Linden Grove were invited to discover, discuss, and research topics around the theme of nature and to enter their work in a national writing contest called, "Kids Are Authors." Students produced titles like, "Trouble Wolves," "Help for Haiti," and "Morgan Turns a Corner," a story against bullying. Parents and volunteers worked with the CIS JPMorgan Chase Publishing Center to bind and cover books so that every student could have a published book.

The Young Authors received instruction from a variety of presenters  including Jenn Wright (Kalamazoo Nature Center), Dan Anson (retired DNR Officer), Doug Duncan (Art Teacher from Prairie Ridge), Mark MacKay (Peace Corps Ambassador), and LGMS Principal McCane, along with other KPS staff who will be welcoming them to Linden Grove next year.

In the fall, CIS "Kalamazoo Young Authors" will host activities that challenge youth with intentional learning and creative writing opportunities.

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