EXCERPTS FROM LETTERS OF SUPPORT FROM THE SCHOOL SYSTEM AND ITS COMMUNITY

The local Student Publishing Program has received clear and unanimous support - on record, with student benefits cited - from every pertinent facet of the Lexington Public School system and its community. Below are some excerpts; complete letters are on file.

“I support the Student Publishing Program 100 percent. Having students publish their work is the best incentive for improving their writing.”

—JOANNE BENTON, Superintendent, Lexington Public Schools

“It is essential in these days of high stakes testing and emphasis on standardized tests that our students know that what they think and say, and how they say it are vitally important. The Student Publishing program does just that. Students focus their efforts on ideas of their choosing, hone them through the hard work of rewrites, and see them brought to fruition in a published book.…I was very impressed by the high quality of the first Student Publishing Program book, 2:25 P.M. The students and their teachers should feel very proud of what they have accomplished. My congratulations also to Anthony Tedesco for conceptualizing the project and leading it to a successful completion. Having all sophomores involved in the process of writing for publication will have a profound effect on their work during their last two years at LHS and beyond.…We at Lexington High School strongly support this important undertaking.”

—ERNEST VAN SEASHOLES, Principal, Lexington High School

“The word is in—the Student Publishing Program is a marvelous way to motivate even the most reluctant writers. And the products are a delight to read! I wholeheartedly support this concept.”

—VITO LAMURA, President, Lexington Education Association

“Your project is particularly interesting because it encourages less advanced writers to publish. The yearbook is always seeking to be inclusive in this way as well. We will see you as a ‘sister publication’ and hope that your writers will become our writers.”

—KAREN MECHEM, LHS Yearbook Advisor

“… I never would have believed that students who in their daily content areas resist writing as a medium, flourish with their personal story under the guidance of an instructor. The stories have created the need for some to explore with a professional in bringing closure to some past hurt, anxiety or loss. In the words of one student, ‘My story makes me unique.’ ”

—JAMES KEEFE, LHS Special Education Tutor

“I recently had the unexpected pleasure of meeting Anthony Tedesco in an English class. I was told he was our guest today as he was introduced to the class as a writer/publisher. Anthony brought with him zest and enthusiasm … I must say it was most refreshing; students were attentive; the material was up-to-date and most of all the free style of the diverse poetic expressions empowered them to believe that they too have a story and that they can literally express it. It was just great! … Lexington High School will benefit from such a program that will enhance our traditional English Language/Literature setting.”

—ANGELIA JACK, LHS Special Education Tutor

“As a teacher who is tentatively scheduled to teach four sophomore sections next year, I applaud the idea of a writing and publishing curriculum with Mr. Tedesco. Students will benefit a great deal from talking with and working with published writers and moving themselves towards their own publication. … It’s a great opportunity for the English department. I look forward to being a part of it.”

—ELIZABETH CROWELL, LHS English Teacher

“I’m writing just to let you know that my wife and I wholeheartedly support this effort. It would be great to see a successful pilot that could eventually be incorporated into the English curriculum. … In addition to possible funds available through the school budget, we are looking into whether it is possible to target a donation. It would benefit Jayme’s education in the short-run, and hopefully would contribute initiating a long-term activity at LHS.”

—CORVIS CATSOUPHES, Parent of a Participating LHS Student

“In an age where kids are judged more by how they do on tests than how they do with texts, The Student Publishing Program is a breath of fresh air. As the SAT and MCAS get revised and rejiggered, this is the counter-story: the efforts by teachers of writing to document creative expression and give it a place at the table alongside those bubble tests.”

—RON LIEBER, Coauthor of Taking Time Off: Inspiring Stories of Students Who Enjoyed Successful Breaks from College and How You Can Plan Your Own, 2nd Edition (Princeton Review) and Journalist who has written for The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Fast Company, Fortune and Time magazine's College Guide.