Doormat Is Happy

June 29, 2006

In the brief lull between the school year and summer, the staff's finally had a moment to sort through all of the great stuff our students have been generating since September—our first ever music video, the second issue of The 826NYC Review, a brand new satellite tutoring center, an online radio station, Trapped: The Encyclopedia of Escape, an entire new library of student films, and, of course, stories—about the Chevy's in Staten Island, bookeating superheroes, puppy school, the crusades, Dark Captain Commando, and big eyeballs with lots of eyes.

We thought this illustration (created by Tristan, age 9, during a recent field trip) summed our school year up best. We couldn't be more excited for the summer. Doormat is happy.

The Everything Song

June 19, 2006

Last Sunday during the Superstar: Songs in the Key of You! workshop the 826NYC writing center found itself teeming with dancing koala bears, werewolves, chickens, marshmallows, hot dogs of doom, and one clone trooper (pictured).

Along with volunteers Chris Deaner, Paul Ahern, and Katherine Lam, these six- to eight-year-olds have been working steadily to write, record, and create a video for the original (and catchy) "Everything Song." We're excited to celebrate the song's release during next week's class!

The 826NYC Garden Party!

June 15, 2006

Next Thursday, we're hosting our first annual Garden Party, which will feature Sean Wilsey, beer and wine in an outdoor setting & a chance to feel good about helping 826NYC help the kids. Click here for more details.

Next Up, The Summer Special...

June 06, 2006

Last Thursday, 826NYC hosted the Year-End Extravapalooza, which showcased student work from the past year. Lucky audience members were treated to a reading of Gabriel Auerbach's "Bob, the Space Monkey," Alex Casimir's "How to Not Kiss Your Ugly, Ugly Aunt," Matthew Goodman's intro to the first issue of Sonny Paine, and Yasmeen Itayem's "How to Be Annoying," as well as a clip of Tariq Tarat's radio piece, "The Lying Interviews," and Brendan Jacotin's documentary short, "How to Play Yu-Gi-Oh."

For those who missed the Extravapalooza, stay tuned for announcements about our next event, The Summer Special, which will feature projects created during drop-in tutoring throughout the month of June.