FAQ

• WE PROVIDE A QUIET, PLEASANT, AND WELCOMING SPACE FOR YOU TO WRITE.
  
  

• WE MEET WITH STUDENTS OF ALL GRADES AND ACADEMIC ABILITY LEVELS, IN ALL DISCIPLINES, AT ALL STAGES OF THE WRITING PROCESS. 

  • • During the pre-writing stage, we help students brainstorm topic ideas, organize their thoughts, develop thesis statements, and better understand their assignments.

    • During the drafting and revising stages, we help students develop their ideas, consider alternate organizational strategies, and refine and edit their work.

    • After a student has received an assignment back from the teacher, we can help the student interpret the teacher’s feedback and, when appropriate, develop a revision plan and revision strategies.
      
      

•  WE HELP STUDENTS CRAFT THEIR BEST POSSIBLE COLLEGE ESSAY.  We offer guidance, motivation, and support from conceptualization to final polish.
  
  

• WE DIRECT SEVERAL ACROSS-DISCIPLINE WRITING PROGRAMS, including the Junior Writing Portfolio, Writers in Training, and Summer Reading (aka Reading Record Program, which includes both reading and writing components). In addition, we support both students and teachers with other long-term writing assignments such as the LENS research paper, New York Times Annual Editorial Contest, synthesis papers, and U.S. History research project.
  
  

• WE SPONSOR AND PROMOTE EXTRACURRICULAR WRITING OPPORTUNITIES such as essay and creative writing contests, publication opportunities (including The Wayfarer, Barlow's own literary magazine), workshops, and Joel Barlow’s annual Poetry Day.

The Writing Center helps because strong skills in written communication are essential for each student’s success in high school, college, and, ultimately, the workplace.  Writing plays a key role in all disciplines at Joel Barlow, from English to health, from social studies to mathematics. Helping students to see the connections between disciplines, which empowers them to grow as critical thinkers, readers, and writers is a cornerstone of the Writing Center.

We always welcome walk-ins; however, we recommend making an appointment with the Writing Specialist in advance.   To make an appointment, click on the "Schedule Appointment" button at the top of this and every page.

You should bring anything that will help with your writing, including:

• a copy of your assignment

• any work you've completed for that assignment (i.e., brainstorming, drafts, notes, questions)

• all relevant texts (including books, articles, online data sources)

• any teacher feedback

• grading rubric

Meeting times are strictly adhered to, so it's important that you arrive promptly.  If you're late, your session will not be extended beyond the original end time.

If you are unable to make an appointment, please cancel it so that another student may use that slot.  The meeting confirmation email has a link you can use to cancel.  Alternatively, please send Mrs. Jarvis an email letting her know you will miss your session. 

Contact