On Thursday November, 29th, 826 Valencia and James Lick Middle School hosted an informative and fun Town Hall Meeting to introduce our new Writers' Room.
The cafeteria was abuzz, as principal Carmelo Sgarlato introduced our staff, and the Writers' Room project, to parents, James Lick staff, and curious neighbors in the Noe Valley community.
Anticipation was high, and everyone listened intently while our Educational Programs Director Erin Neeley, outlined the plans for James Lick. Plans included donation needs, supplies, time for building, and maintenance of the room. Assistant Principal Bita Nazarian, longtime tutor Mark de la Viña, and former Everett Middle School Student Body President Bianca Catálan, all testified to the success of the Writers' Room at Everett, and the expectation of similar success at James Lick. Everyone there seemed eager for the opening of the Writers' Room, and parents expressed particular excitement about the highly individualized and imaginative atmosphere that it will provide all of the students at James Lick.
Parents, teachers, administrators, and Noe Valley neighbors left thoroughly informed about what is to come. Several departed with eye patches and shiny treasures, others with magnificent raffle prizes donated by more than a few generous businesses in the local community. For these gifts, 826 Valencia would like to heartily thank:
Church Street Apothecary
Lovejoy's Tea Room
dermalounge
Pescheria Restaurant
Pomelo Restaurant
Green Twig Salon
Purple Iris Healing Center
Urban Babywear
Noe Valley Farmers' Market
Fattoush Restaurant
Dog Eared Books
Bay Area Improv
Noe Valley Pet Co.
Buffalo Exchange
Aquarius Records
When Modern Was
Antiques and Beautiful Things
Luv a Java
Special thanks also to Paula Benton for her dedicated assistance with the event, as well as to David Krucik for a masterfully crafted movie, the James Lick PTSA, the Noe Valley Merchants Association, the Noe Valley Farmers' Market Board, and the James Lick Teachers and Community, for their unique and highly appreciated contributions, which made the James Lick Town Hall Meeting not only possible, but exceptional!
