Berkeley Hosts Director's Day Out

On Friday, March 11th, Berkeley hosted SWCAFL's Director's Day Out.  Writing Center directors from all over came together at Berkeley to share ideas about their school centers, and even had the chance to talk to a few of Berkeley's own Writing Center tutors.  Directors gathered in the Gabos Recital Hall for coffee and snacks, and enjoyed an open, casual discussion about different aspects of running a successful center.  For the tutors and the directors alike, the day brought forth many meaningful discussions and new ideas.

Directors chatted with one another about their unique writing centers.

Berkeley tutors and other writing center directors shared many great ideas during the open discussion.

First Grade Author's Tea Is a Success

This year, the annual First Grade Author's Tea was another great success!  Both the first graders and the Writing Center tutors had a great time working on "How-To" papers.  Here's what a few tutors had to say about the event:

Tutors work side-by-side with their first grade buddies.

Sammie Lee said, "I was surprised with how quickly I became acquainted with my tutee and the amount of fun we had together. It may take a while, but they really open up to you…especially when you both like teddy bears, making pictures out of rocks, and inflatable seat cushions."

The first graders quickly became comfortable with their tutor buddies!

Mira Rajani said, "The creativity of the first grader I tutored was incredible! During the tutorial we were able to help him to translate his speech into writing, making his paper more vibrant and interesting. The highlight of this tutorial was seeing how the student himself had the ability to convey his thoughts very eloquently when he spoke to us. During the tutorial we were able to help him to translate his speech into writing, making his paper more vibrant and interesting without changing his own words or ideas. These kids have it in them to be incredible writers and as tutors, we are able to open that door for them."

The tutors and the first graders had a great time working together!

The Author's Tea is always a favorite event among tutors and first graders alike, and is sure to be a success for years to come.

2016 SCWAFL Director's Day Out

Members of the SWCA will be visiting Berkeley on March 11th! (www.iwca-swca.org)

     On Friday, March 11th, Berkeley Prep will have the honor of hosting the Southeastern Writing Center Association's Director's Day Out!  From 9am to 2pm, SWCA members will gather together at Berkeley to share and discuss ideas about writing centers.  The event is free and lunch is provided, so many directors and members are sure to attend the Director's Day Out.  Both university and high school writing center directors will be in attendance, so many different types of writing centers will be represented.  The diversity of attendees is sure to promote lots of conversation about the characteristics of successful writing centers and how directors can help improve their own centers.  Berkeley will be able to show off our own writing center and hopefully learn some tips to make it even better!

Writing Center Celebrates Diversity at Latest Eat 'N Speak

Since our school is a diverse community, the Writing Center decided to celebrate diversity at our most recent Eat 'N Speak!

This Friday, the Writing Center hosted a diversity-themed Eat 'N Speak in the Jean Ann Cone Library. Students filled all the seats and, as they waited for the acts to begin, used markers to decorate the colored paper on the tables with what they believe diversity is. 

As usual, students piled into the library to enjoy sweet treats and various Eat 'N Speak performances.

As the audience enjoyed donuts, cupcakes, and more, Addison Aloian, Natalie Bellucia, Caroline Paskert, Jack Eppink, and Jake Meyer performed musical acts. Nick Diaco also enthusiastically recited poems.

Jack Eppink performs a song for Eat 'N Speak.

In between acts, the Eat 'N Speak MCs read fun Dr. Seuss quotes, promoting individuality and self-confidence in our school’s diverse community. Berkeley students continue to impress with their overwhelming talent!

Lost Shoes in the Writing Center!

Did Dorothy lose another pair of shoes?  Today, tutors found an unexpected guest in the Writing Center: a sad, lonely pair of abandoned dress shoes.  If somehow during the course of the day your feet have found themselves without shoes, stop on by and pick up your fabulous footwear.  Please be swift, because the unnerving position of the shoes makes it seem like a ghost has been sitting in the Writing Center all day...

The Force Is Strong at the "Star Wars" Eat 'N Speak

On Friday, November 20th, students and teachers alike piled into the packed Jean Ann Cone Library to watch the diverse performances that are typical of any Eat 'N Speak.  However, this particular Eat 'N Speak was different - it was "Star Wars" themed!  In honor of the upcoming new installment of the blockbuster franchise, the library was decked out in themed decorations, including character cut-outs of Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, and Yoda; a tiny yet extremely intricate Ewok village; and even a life-sized Jabba the Hutt!

Jabba the Hutt made an appearance at the Eat 'N Speak! (photo courtesy of The Berkeley Fanfare)

Students and teachers alike had a great time, thanks to the delicious food, creative decorations, and amazing acts!  Check out some photos of the acts below, and thanks to everyone who performed!

Seniors Julia Peacock and Jack Eppink kicked off the Eat 'N Speak with a moving performance of "Imagine."

Sophomore Natalie Belluccia sang a wonderful original song.

Junior Anjali Shah read a poem about Thanksgiving - aptly chosen for this time of year!

Senior Grace Roman sang "Tongue Tied."

This Eat 'N Speak was a clear success and got students excited about the upcoming movie.  Stay tuned for more information about the Writing Center's first Eat 'N Speak of 2016!

Multidivisional Midterm Mash-up!

The Berkeley Writing Center is venturing into some new territory - the Sixth Grade Science classrooms!  The Center will need all hands on deck for the first week of December when all tutors will get together to help Berkeley’s sixth graders with research papers for their science midterm exams. Tutors are excited to help in every stage of the process from planning to perfecting and can't wait to spend some time with students from another division! Clear your schedules and get ready for some pre-midterm fun!