This fall, Health Teacher Mrs. Balfour and Librarian Ms. J. collaborated on a project to research an HIV/AIDS activist or advocate. After we learned everything they possibly could about their advocate, and connected personally to their life stories, we wrote letters to our heroes. Mrs. Balfour mails these letters to the advocates or their families! We were impressed by the diversity and creativity of advocates chosen.

With high school admissions season upon us, student artists applying to specialized high schools have collaborated with Art Teacher Ms. DeBerry and Ms. J. during lunch time to develop portfolio artwork. Lunch is also a time when students have worked individually with the librarian to research high school options using NYC SIFT, a website that draws on the DoE school statistics and allows you to search for your dream high school.

Mrs. Balfour checks in with students on their research progress after Ms. J. has presented several strategies for learning about HIV advocates using smart Googling with key words and through reading mini biographies and listening to podcasts. We also checked out the student-made film, "Home Is What You Make It," by an AIDS orphan activist in Africa, created through the ByKids organization.

OWNCS Elementary and Middle School both received generous grants from Lambda Literary to host authors and illustrators to share their published books and answer questions from students this spring! Stay tuned to find out what authors we will be welcoming to our libraries for after school events. Families are welcome!