Welcome to Fairfield, Bassick! @writingproject

For the past year, I've worked with Dr. Wayne Alexander, Principal of Bassick High School, and his literacy team. Hired a few days before the school year began, Dr. Alexander had every right to wonder who I was, what my intensions were, and why the Connecticut Writing Project-Fairfield wanted to help his school improve literacy efforts throughout the year. The original principal who wrote the NWP SEED grant with me was relocated, the literacy coach at the school was taken to another location midyear, and Dr. Alexander stepped up to the plate because he listened to what teachers wanted.

I am thrilled that after a year of working with members of the staff, Dr. Alexander and I put our heads together to create a back-to-school kick off and a plan for continuing the work in 2013-2014. This year, it is about interdisciplinary work and challenging the soul of every child.

Today, 65 teachers from the school will visit Fairfield University's campus to have a day of discussing interdisciplinary instruction, best practices for literacy, and writing. We will accomplish this through teacher-choice of 10 workshops with presenters who are academics, colleagues and visitors from other locations. Each will provide a 90 minute workshop on topics of interest to the faculty at Bassick High School: differentiation, English language learners, research, community, technology, collaborative curriculum, assessment, transitioning to college, and new faculty orientation.

The day begins early and mine even earlier (I have to set up signs so everyone knows where to go).

And, so, Monday it is! A hectic one, indeed.

Rev. Jeffrey P. von Arx, President of Fairfield University, kicks of the community collaboration for us at 9 a.m. - It is an honor to host the teachers on campus.