It turned out to be a great semester for Badgerdog at Travis. We have a strong presence in the Youth Voices in Ink publication this go around. And one student took home the grand prize [the Rose Million Healey Award in Short Fiction] at the community-wide reading. We have a new and dedicated member with another student. He has three more productive years to spend with us. He carried around his copy of the book all day on Monday and showed it off to everyone. You should've seen his face when people commented on his writing. He's already worn his Badgerdog shirt twice since he got it, and he's more than willing to tell his peers what the shirt is all about. He's a proud boy. The program has helped him turn his life around.

Sye turned out to be quite an amazing teacher for these students. And there was Michael in the fall. We had a year of solid teachers moving through the classroom, and I think their impact is evident in the growth we've seen in some of our veteran writers.

I'm looking forward to next year.

Jared Linton, partner teacher, Travis High School

I really enjoyed seeing the students grow as writers this year, become comfortable identifying themselves as writers, and form community around their writing. I appreciate the way Neena challenged our kids to expand the way they saw the world with the texts she chose, the assignments she gave, and the discussions she facilitated. I have always greatly valued the insights about themselves and the world that our Badgerdog kids take with them. Our students feel really privileged and unique because of their participation in Badgerdog, and they look forward to sharing that time together.

Jessica Beck, partner teacher, Ojeda Middle School

The students who participated in Badgerdog this year at Dobie have grown through the program, and it has benefited them in multiple ways. I've been so surprised by how much the program helps students to not only develop their own literary voices, but to become more confident in themselves.

For example, a seventh-grade student participated last semester. She has a quiet personality, especially amongst her boisterous peers. Reading her poems at the fall poetry reading was probably one of the bravest things she's ever done. A few weeks ago, her science teacher stopped me in the hall to mention that she's noticed a real change in her. She said that ever since the reading, she's observed that Janelle is more vocal and confident, and isn't shy or nervous when speaking in front of the class. She attributed the student’s personal growth to her experience with Badgerdog.

Then this semester, a sixth-grader was eager to join the writing group, but exhibited immaturity and social awkwardness. In an early workshop, he shared with the group that his father was in jail. He sometimes had trouble focusing on the workshop or staying on task, but when he pushed himself to write, his work was incredible. He stayed committed to the group for the entire ten weeks, but when it came time to practice for the spring reading, he had an emotional meltdown and none of us expected that he would read in front of an audience. The next afternoon, he showed up at the reading. He was nervous, but went ahead and read. His reading was one of the stand-outs of the group, and afterwards he couldn't contain his excitement and pride. We approached him to see if he would be interested in representing Dobie at the city-wide reading, and he was thrilled. This experience has been such a postitive way for him to express himself and show his talents, even though other parts of his life might be chaotic.

Personally, I've been grateful that we've had the Badgerdog program on our campus. I know the experience gives students so many skills and positive traits that they take with them into the future.

Amy Russell, partner teacher, Dobie Middle School

The students gained so much from this program. Badgerdog inspired them to love writing and have confidence in their skill.

The creative activities helped all students be successful.

. . .

Thank you for your exceptional teachers and time.

Shelli Cantwell, partner teacher, Creedmoor Elementary

When I asked my two teachers who were able to participate this year if they wanted to represent us next year, they both said yes enthusiastically.

When the students receive the books with their work in them, they truly make the connection to the classes. I have enjoyed passing out the books and having the students sign each others’, and mine, as authors. That is what it is all about to the kids—you should see the pride. Definitely continue publishing.

Sara Guerra, principal, Hillcrest Elementary

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