How to make the most of the writing center right now
The writing center is back in business and operating virtually for all students. Mrs. Gelso is behind the wheel of the writing center, and has set up a new virtual calendar for students to make appointments for one on one sessions and guidance for their writing pieces.
The writing center is modeled after writing centers at universities, and is designed to be a way to have a conversation if you find yourself stuck on a writing piece, no matter the subject. “Writing can be very lonely, and sometimes you get stuck or you’re not sure where to go next. People who work in writing centers help you ask the right questions and give you strategies and techniques. We’re not editors, we’re here to empower writers” Ms. Gelso said.
The writing center can typically be found across from the testing center, but this year it will remain virtual whether or not the school chooses to enter a hybrid model. This is because of the close work required when looking over a writing piece. There’s a team of twelve seniors who are being trained to aid Ms. Gelso with day to day appointments and who also help facilitate longer writing workshops.
To sign up for a one on one appointment, simply click the link to the virtual calendar that Mrs. Gelso has assembled (https://calendly.com/mgelso) and select a day and time for an appointment. There are times available both during and after the school day. An email is sent after registering for an appointment that contains the time of the appointment and the zoom link to log in.
Seniors are welcome to bring in their personal statements and supplemental essays if they need help with the college application process.
“We aren’t editing or changing sentences around. We’re coming from a place of asking questions of people to help them make the decisions they want to make about college. We do also provide resources. A lot of times I might show people an essay sample if they’re very early on in the process. It helps with brainstorming” Ms. Gelso said.
Each Wednesday the writing center will offer a longer writing workshop focusing on a specific topic. On October 7th and 21st, seniors can sign up for an 11am workshop that gives specific pointers on the structure of the personal essay and how to keep the essay authentic. On October 14th, there will be an 11am workshop for faculty on methods for student feedback.
Links to the workshops:
https://calendly.com/mgelso/personal-statement-workshop-for-seniors-oct7
https://calendly.com/mgelso/responding-to-student-writing-for-faculty
https://calendly.com/mgelso/oct-21-personal-statement-workshop-for-seniors
