Over the past two weeks we have been dealing with that stress through writing. Students were challenged to write about their goals for the exam, their strengths and weaknesses, strategies they can use, how they feel about the exam, ways to stay focused, and something they can look forward to after the exam. They could write in any format they chose, a narrative, a journal entry, a poem, etc. One very bright, and very confidant 4th grader chose to write as if he was talking to the exam. We think it turned out pretty great. See for yourself.

“Pass Test,

I have to tell you something. I’m going to finish you with an exemplary grade. It’s going to be so easy. I’m going to demolish this test! You won’t even see what happened to you. I may lack in math, but I’m going to pass. My strategy is to remember: I ‘eight’ and drank from my cup. That helps me remember that there are 8 ounces in a cup. Science is going to be awesome. I will make a cake because it’s going to be a piece of cake. While I’m taking you I will be looking forward to going to Water Front Park with Mrs. Holbrook and my classmates, and getting an Italian ice. Pass Test, I’m coming your way.

Keon P.”

We wish Keon and all of our students the best of luck this week. And after all of the hard work they have put in this year Keon should be proven right. “It’s going to be a piece of cake.”

But what made her go into teaching in the first place? “I love giving students what they need to be successful in life.” Raimee has certainly prepared herself to do so by graduating first from Columbia College and then earning her Masters at The Citadel. So what is her favorite thing about teaching? “The relationships that I get to build. I want them to be able to look back at 5th grade and know that someone believed in them and cared.” And she certainly has a strong connection to all of her 5th graders. When you’re in her class it’s plain to see that she knows each one of her students incredibly well. Being able to identify and target their strengths and weaknesses has been key to Raimee’s teaching success.

Raimee also supports SideWalk Chalk outside of the classroom. She has made an appearance at board meetings and offered helpful suggestions. She also coordinated two students attending our Art on Wheels event. She escorted them and encouraged them to read their stories aloud in front of the whole gallery. We appreciate her dedication to SideWalk Chalk immensely. And as our school year is winding down, we can only hope that we will get to continue Writing the Future with Raimee next year.

Proud Winner of the 2012 Great Golden Doughnut, Zack Kratche

They ran fast. They ate doughnuts fast. They ran fast again. Congratulations to all of our Doughnut Run participants! Thank you so much for supporting SideWalk Chalk this weekend. We hope you had blast stuffing your face and expanding your waistlines!

Why did Abby get involved with SideWalk Chalk? “I like to read. I love to write. My friend Laine, the brilliant program director, recruited me.”

What’s her favorite part of volunteering? ”Two things, I suppose. One, for what may be more egocentric reasons, walking in the door of the classroom each Wednesday. The kids’ classroom manners just barely hold them in their seats and prevent them from running up to give you a hug as soon as you walk in. In lieu of the hug, they smile and motion with their hands, letting you know they must have you, specifically you, look at their stories. It’s always nice to be wanted. Two: there is a lovely moment that happens sometimes, when a kid gets really excited about the topic they are writing on. Maybe you said something that sparked it. They’re telling you these ideas and writing their story aloud, and the ideas are coming so fast they can barely keep up with them. Then they finish, and you say, ‘Spectacular. Now put that on paper.’ Sometimes that curtails the momentum. But sometimes, they start writing, and they hardly come up for air. In that moment, they don’t need you. They’ll need you again, when they’re finished—desperately. But in that moment, it’s them and their story, and they want it on paper.”

What’s her most embarrassing memory from elementary school? “I used to get songs stuck in my head and hum them more or less unconsciously—still do sometimes. When I was in second grade, I went to the bathroom and was singing the Barney ’I Love You’ song. In second grade, everybody watched Barney, but we all knew better than to admit to it. When I came out of the stall, a few eighth graders (they were so cool) laughed and asked if I was the one singing the song. I suppose I didn’t think they would check, so I played smooth and said, ‘Yeah, I heard it too. It must have been someone else in the bathroom.’ Unfortunately, they did check. There was no one else in the bathroom.”

Reading any good books right now? “Just started Tender is the Night.”

Funny, dedicated, and a joy to work with, Abby is without a doubt a model volunteer. Every week she has a smile on her face and a countless amount of fun ideas to share with the students. They adore her. We adore her. And we are unbelievably grateful that Abby is helping us write the future!

Photographer Ben Gately Williams and art dealer Sean Ferneau are teaming up to bring you Art on Wheels, Friday, April 13th from 6:00 until 8:30 pm at the City Gallery at Waterfront Park. Art on Wheels benefits both Brunswick to Baja and SideWalk Chalk.

Art on Wheels is a send-off party and silent art auction for Brunswick to Baja, Williams’ and fellow rider Jason Neuman’s 6,000-mile, cross-country bicycle fundraiser beginning in May, which is a fundraiser for SideWalk Chalk.

Art on Wheels will feature original artwork from dozens of Charleston’s best-loved traditional and contemporary artists, both emerging and established. Cocktails will be provided by Social Restaurant & Wine Bar and Holy City Brewing. Live music will be presented by Aesthetic. Bidding begins at 7 o’clock. Tickets to the event are $10 at the door and children are admitted free.

For a list of current participating artists and current committed sponsors, please visit www.brunswicktobaja.com.  For all media and event related questions, please contact Sean Ferneau at 843.557.3198.

SideWalk Chalk has the pleasure of working with Michelle Rheaume and her wonderful 5th graders every Wednesday! Michelle graduated from the College of Charleston and is now one of Mitchell Elementary’s newest additions. She also has a new addition of her own: “I am the mother of a beautiful 4 month old boy, so when I am not with my students I spend every second with him.”

It’s obvious to us that Michelle was born to work with kids and she embraces this wholeheartedly: “I have wanted to be a teacher since I can remember. I just love all children.” She constantly reminds her students that they are a family in the classroom, promoting a comforting environment that focuses on compassion and teamwork. Her favorite thing about teaching? “I love watching children learn new things and helping each other learn new things.” And SideWalk Chalk loves being a part of this on Wednesdays!

However, Michelle’s experience as an elementary school student wasn’t exactly a cakewalk. She remembers: “My sister copied pages from my diary and passed it out to the entire 4th grade. Could you imagine?” Yikes! We don’t want to even imagine that! Is it impressive that she made it through that and wanted to go back to an elementary school every day? Oh yea, we think so, and we are so happy she did! We’re so grateful to be working with such fantastic teachers like Michelle.

Meet Hannah. She’s smart, personable, and passionate about SideWalk Chalk’s mission. Originally from Charlotte, she moved to Charleston to attend the College of Charleston. She is in her senior year and is majoring in Arts Management with a double minor in Jewish Studies and Art History. She has completed internships with Duvall Events and the Office of Cultural Affairs. We know, it’s impressive.

She had already more than filled her academic requirements and is nearly a graduate. So why did Hannah apply for this internship?
“Laine came to one of my Arts Management classes and introduced SideWalk Chalk, and it sounded like an extremely fun and important non-profit.  SWC combines everything I am interested in: arts, kids, and helping the community!”

What is she most excited for in the internship?
“I am so excited to keep spending time in the classroom with the kids at Mitchell, and I also can’t wait to see everyone stuff their faces with doughnuts in the middle of a 5k!!”

What does she do when she’s not busy being an all-star student and intern?
“I am very involved with the Jewish Student Union on campus.  I also help out at Lowcountry Orphan Relief a couple days a week.”

Surely, she doesn’t have any time for pleasure reading. Does she?
“Yes, I just started the Game of Thrones!”

We aren’t positive. But we may have hired a superhero to be our intern. And we feel pretty lucky to have her.

Think you have what it takes to win the individual challenge, and take home the Great Golden Doughnut? This is your year to prove it.

Looking for a few less calories and a lot more laughs? Join a team, and try for one of the team prizes.

Either way, registration is happening right now, right here.

Why did Rachel get involved with SideWalk Chalk? “I live right near one of the schools. I love writing and pursued Journalism in college. SideWalk Chalk was the perfect opportunity to work with children in my community and share a passion!”

What’s her favorite part of volunteering? “Seeing the children so proud of their writing! I love it when they write something and are so excited to share it and read it to their classmates and me at the end of a session.”

Any embarrassing memories from elementary school? “We once had someone visit with a variety of animals and I volunteered, was called on stage, and was then PETRIFIED when they brought out a huge boa constrictor. I am still very afraid of snakes to this day!”

Reading any good books right now? “I’m currently engrossed in the Hunger Games series (they are addicting speedy reads) as well as Steve Jobs’ biography. I love inspirational biographies!”

Rachel is great asset to the SWC team! Not only is she personable and down to earth, she’s great around the students. In between giving great writing advice and high fives, you can often find Rachel comparing favorite sports teams with the students. She is a huge Boston sports fan, and enjoys the friendly banter of a good sports conversation with the students. We are very lucky to have Rachel on the SideWalk Chalk team lineup!