This Week, We LEAPed with Young Novelists, Graphic Artists, Ubuntu, and Budding Journalists @LEAPTOLEAD

I wake up on Saturday mornings thinking, "Whoa! That was a week." Just when I think we've piqued and the summer programming can't get better, it simply does! This week, the novelists and illustrators had their culminating proms and all in attendance (a full house) were extremely impressed. The kids wrote about alienation, red herrings, running away, adolescence, loneliness, and mountain climbing. They incorporated sports, fantasy, heroines, and teenage angsts. Their protagonists rose above childhood and adventured into territories of adulthood, maturity, and the ways young people see their worlds.

It was fantastic.

Meanwhile, the numbers in Ubuntu Academy keep climbing as word spreads and friend begin tagging along. The twins reported today that working with the kids has been amazing because they appreciate everything they're learning. Next week, the kids have been prepped to fold in with Project Citizen, Journalism, and TedX talks. They've been working gin their writing notebooks and are gaining ground with their ability to speak with American-born peers and teachers (through the excellent teaching of William King and Jessica Baldizon).

32 pizzas were eaten, 15 boxes of Capri Suns quenched thirst, and a room of 75 spectators experience the great writing of Connecticut youth. In addition, CWP-Fairfield hosted Assignments Matter, a day-long workshop for in-practice teachers (to addd to the Invitational Summer Institute). I always say that my fall and spring semester are slow and easy compared to summers. This summer has not defied that honesty - it's the truth. I simply hold my breath and move forward with optimism and spunk.
Hiring wonderful teachers and recruiting kids from school districts all over the region pays off.

Every second is worth it.