Today, Assemblymember Monica Wallace (D-Lancaster) announced that she has secured $75,000 in state funding for the Cheektowaga-Sloan School District for the implementation of a new writing workshop. During the 2017-2018 school year, the school district established the Lucy Calkin Reading Workshop for students in grades kindergarten through fifth. Building upon that success and in lockstep with the district’s long-term plan, Wallace’s funding will aid the district in establishing the Lucy Calkin Writing Workshop Series K-5.

“Investing in early childhood writing development sets students on a path of continued growth throughout their life,” said Assemblymember Wallace. “Establishing the Lucy Calkin Writing Workshop at Cheektowaga-Sloan will enhance students’ writing and communication abilities, and it will provide them with the tools they need to succeed both academically and professionally.”

The units of study included in the Lucy Calkin Writing Workshop present a rigorous curriculum that is focused on opinion, information, and narrative writing. The reading and writing units will be implemented together, which will create a well-rounded foundational program for students.

“The Writers Workshop will help students become stronger, independent, lifelong writers. Investing in their early development of cognitive skills will have lasting effects on the students and our community, which is why I’m pleased to support Cheektowaga-Sloan’s efforts to establish this program.”