August Newsletter
ID: Students drawing a character of their choice at our 826 Day Open House
Dear Friends,
It's been a big month at 826 MSP! We celebrated the long-awaited return to in-person programs with an open house on our network's favorite holiday, 826 Day.
As you can see in the photos below, everyone enjoyed a delicious meal from Harwanaag Restaurant and participated in a writing workshop led by author Mohammed Hajji Ahmed. He presented his comic book Leylo, and led students in developing a character using both writing and illustration. Many students read at the mic, and we ended the evening with a prize raffle. Thanks to everyone for such a fun start to the 21-22 school year!
Speaking of beginnings, we have some wonderful news to share! Our Executive Director, Samantha Sencer-Mura, had her baby on August 23! Tadashi is the newest young writer of the Twin Cities, and we are so happy for our growing 826 MSP family. Sam will be out on family leave for the next few months, so if you have questions for her in the meantime, you can reach out to interim Executive Director, Ashley Lustig.
21-22 school year, here we come!
With gratitude,
the 826 MSP crew
Student Spotlight
The Daily Show is partnering with 826 National through their new merch line! 826 MSP's very own young author, Sabir, is featured in their promo video. Watch to hear Roy Wood Jr. read "Sky Pie" by Sabir, grade 2.
Upcoming Events
826 MSP closed for Labor Day, September 6
First day of school for MPS, September 8
First day of school for SPPS, September 9
New volunteer orientation, September 9, 5:00-6:30
New volunteer orientation, September 10, 10:00-11:30
New volunteer orientation, September 14, 4:00-5:30
After-School Writing Lab (ASWL) parent orientation September 14
ASWL parent orientation, September 15
New volunteer orientation, September 15, 5:00-6:30
First day of ASWL, September 20
Supporter Spotlight
826 MSP was featured in a Twins game! Images of our young writers and their words were featured on the big screen in between innings during Friday night's game. Gratitude to the Minnesota Twins for their $5,000 gift to 826 MSP and for helping spread the word about our programs in this awesome way.