Hey everybody!

I just finished my second year as a Writer Coach at Martin Luther King Middle School in Berkeley.  I worked with three students in Mr. Selk's class and three in Ms. Thorniley's class, one at a time for 25 minutes each. Because I coached the same six kids for the whole school year, I really get to know them and feel a connection with them. When I was saying goodbye at our last session, one of my 8th-graders said, "You mean this may be the last time I ever see you?" I was so touched that she would miss me as much as I will miss her. But what would really be sad is if next year's 8th-graders weren't given this same opportunity because of funding cuts. 

Last year we lost funding, but we managed to raise the money we needed to keep the program going. It's the same story this year. Although the coaches themselves are volunteering, there is still a small overhead for administrative costs and training. Please help us keep this program alive. The smallest donation would help. If you gave last year, thank you for helping me raise $250 toward a great cause. You shouldn't feel obligated to help again unless you believe strongly in this program. (If you didn't contribute last year, this year could make up for last year!)

Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!

Tanya, former elementary school teacher and continuing (hopefully!) writer coach