Littlest Doggie Reader

The adorable chihuahua in the box is Comisky and SSR program teacher, Nora Garcia, is his lucky owner.

Comisky was a big hit when he joined us for the teacher feedback meeting. Shandy was happy to welcome him to the office but it took some time for him to make friends. Treats were the secret to getting them together (BTW, he's much smaller than he appears in this photo--must be the angle).

Garden of Eden at Hendricks

That's me with Miss Alice last Wednesday at a wonderful urban oasis just southwest of Hendricks Academy (you can see the sign from the Hendricks parking lot).

Turns out one of the Hendricks teachers and her husband started this block-long nature center and plant a vegetable garden for the community every year. Bus loads of students from schools around the city come to visit and enjoy the peaceful setting.

Be sure to stop by next time you're in the neighborhood.

Five Years at Hendricks!

If it's Wednesday, Sit Stay Read must be at Hendricks. It's hard to believe but the 2007-08 school year marks five years of bringing reading fun to the students at Hendricks Academy! Wow, time really does fly.

At this Wednesday's Reading Rewards celebration nearly 75 kids received books and Reading Fun Packs to honor their independent reading (that's some of the students modeling their back packs while Tibbie and Seth look on). We also took this opportunity to present a plaque to school principal Ms. Smith to honor five years of partnership in literacy. That's Tida, SSR dog extraordinaire, looking on.

We're still busy celebrating and getting 220 Fun Packs into eager hands but as soon as we have a few moments to spare we'll post photos of more smiling faces from all the schools.

Dog Safety Ambassadors

As part of our new 4th grade pilot program at Hendricks Academy teacher, Jen Platz, had the opportunity to award three students the title of "Sit Stay Read Dog Safety Ambassador".

The winners were Josh, Tashun, and Kalvin. Both Tashun and Kalvin are familiar to Hendricks volunteers as they've been in SSR since second grade but Josh is new to the program. All three were excited to be chosen.

Using photos, dog puppets, and the SSR curriculum these students shared their knowledge of dog safety with the 1st grade class. As you can see from the big smile on this 1st grader practicing how to greet a dog, everyone had a great time learning how to be safe around dogs!

May Poem of the Month

Here's a lovely poem that was the winner of the 2007 Sit Stay Read poetry contest.

The Angel Dog

By Ashley M.

Lowell Elementary, 2^nd Grade

The Angel dog came from the star.

He shows little kids how to be good in school.

The Angel dog helps people write and shows people how to cook.

The Angel dog loves to play in the park,

fly in the air and he helps people of all colors.

He helps people feel good when they are sick.

He lives in the sky.

WBEZ Daily Photo

Check-out the WBEZ Daily Photo! Sit Stay Read board president, MK Czerwiec, had one of her photos chosen for today's post. Of course it's reading related!

Congratulations, MK!