Education

Announcing the ’22 Student Writing Challenge Winners

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Congratulations to the winners of the 2022 Student Writing Challenge! Thank you to all of the young writers from across the region who shared their work with us. Information on the 2023 Student Writing Challenge is available below. Click on the images for the downloadable poster and entry form:

FICTION

Honorable Mention, Grades K-1
‘The Magic Banana’ by Chloe S., Vestal, NY

Best Fiction, Grades 4-5
‘Angry Black Bears Are Not Pleasant’ by Elijah S., Corning, NY

2nd Place, Grades 4-5
‘A Rabbit’s Life’ by Vera D., Corning, NY

3rd Place, Grades 4-5
‘William’s Freedom’ by Juliana  H., Apalachin, NY

Best Fiction, Grades 6-8
‘The Dagger’ by Mackenzie L., Elmira, NY

2nd Place, Grades 6-8
‘Lucky Skittles’ by Sophia R., Binghamton, NY 

3rd Place, Grades 6-8
‘Drawing Change’ by Nadia PF., Ithaca, NY 

Best Fiction, Grades 9-12
‘Unwritten’ by Marina Z., Vestal, NY

PERSONAL ESSAY/NON-FICTION

Best Personal Essay/Non-Fiction, Grades 2-3
‘Giant Tube Worms’ by Louis N., Brooktondale, NY

Best Personal Essay/Non-Fiction, Grades 4-5
‘Read the Label’ by Owen D., Corning, NY 

Best Personal Essay/Non-Fiction, Grades 6-8
‘Kindness is Actually Huge’ by Thea Y., Vestal, NY

Best Personal Essay/Non-Fiction, Grades 9-12
‘The Sick Cup’ by Mia J., Owego, NY

POETRY

Best Poetry, Grades K-1
‘Bird’ by Simon E., Vestal, NY

2nd Place, Grades K-1
‘Flowers’ by Remi P., Vestal, NY

3rd Place, Grades K-1
‘Watermelon’ by Antonina L., Vestal, NY

Best Poetry, Grades 2-3
‘Moon Dogs’ by Magnolia R., Ithaca, NY

2nd Place, Grades 2-3
‘I’m From’ by James W., Ithaca, NY

3rd Place, Grades 2-3
‘Howls in the Night’ by Emeline H., Ithaca, NY

Honorable Mention, Grades 2-3
‘The Race Begins’ by Naomi K., Ithaca, NY

Best Poetry, Grades 4-5
‘Arctic Fox’ by Ammarah K., Vestal, NY

2nd Place, Grades 4-5
‘Nature is So Pretty’ by Shterna C., Vestal, NY

3rd Place, Grades 4-5
‘Summer’ by Moussia S., Vestal, NY 

Best Poetry, Grades 9-12
‘If I Were a Kite’ by Megan S., Endicott, NY

2nd Place, Grades 9-12
‘Shoulder’ by Kathryn W., Binghamton, NY

3rd Place, Grades 9-12
‘Last in Line’ by Nicole L., Vestal, NY

Honorable Mention, Grades 9-12
‘The Vast Unseen’ by Luke A., Endicott, NY 

TEXT WITH VISUALS
(GRAPHIC NOVEL, ILLUSTRATED WORK, PICTURE BOOK)

Best Text with Visuals, Grades 2-3
‘The Cookie Book’ by Jackson P., Vestal, NY

Honorable Mention, Grades 2-3
‘Moose and Bob!’ by Kyle A., Mansfield, PA

Best Text with Visuals, Grades 4-5
‘Word’ written by Micah Y. and illustrated by Thea Y., Vestal, NY

Best Text with Visuals, Grades 6-8
‘The Eggs’ by Nadia H., Ithaca, NY

Thank you to Mary Ann Karre, Lonna Pierce, Sarah Reid, Alicia Sherman, Sara-Jo Sites, Sandy Stiles, the George F. Johnson Memorial Library, the School Librarians of the Southern Tier EAST, and the WSKG Education Advisory Committee. This project is part of WSKG’s Youth Voices initiative and is supported in part by Darryl Wood & Toby Wollin and the Bert Santora Charitable Trust. 

 

books

What stories are your students telling? Share with WSKG Youth Voices.

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How do your students tell their stories? Whether they’re writing or recording we want to know – and help spread their messages! Registration is open for local students to enter original work to WSKG’s Youth Voices programs. Deadline to enter for all three contests is 5/27/22. Click on the projects below for more information. Rod Serling Film Festival | Open to K-12 students across the U.S.!

Education

Local educators assist PBS KIDS with new early learning programming

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Building on its deep commitment to education and, in response to feedback from teachers across the country, PBS KIDS has developed a new digital space specifically designed for early childhood educators and their professional learning needs. WSKG’s Education Director, Jackie Stapleton, was invited to serve on the advisory committee for this national project. Throughout 2020, Stapleton met monthly with PBS Education staff to think through digital engagement strategies that would be most beneficial to the early childhood community. 

Fast forward to fall 2021 when PBS invited WSKG to continue participating in the next phase of this project: beta-testing the newly designed ‘PBS KIDS Self-Paced Learning’ platform. WSKG was one of three stations selected for this work which ran from October through December. Ms. Stapleton assembled a small group of local classroom educators who work with PreKindergarten through Grade 2 students.

Education

WSKG Student Writing Challenge

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Students in grades K-12 are invited to enter our Student Writing Challenge! 
Complete the 2022 entry form and submit work in one of the following categories:

Fiction
Personal Essay/Non-Fiction
Poetry

 
Download to help promote this challenge! Text with Visuals

Graphic Novel
Illustrated Work
Picture Book

Download this classroom/library poster and share this opportunity! The maximum word count for all submissions is 650 words. Students enter at grade levels K-1, 2-3, 4-5, 6-8, or 9-12. Submissions can be submitted electronically or by mail.

Education

Announcing WSKG’s Student Writing Challenge!

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Students in grades K-12 are invited to enter our Student Writing Challenge! 
Complete the 2021 Entry Form and submit work in one of the following categories:

Fiction
Personal Essay/Non-Fiction
Poetry

Text with Visuals

Graphic Novel
Illustrated Work
Picture Book

Download this classroom/library poster and share this opportunity! The maximum word count for all submissions is 650 words. Students enter at grade levels K-1, 2-3, 4-5, 6-8, or 9-12. Submissions can be submitted electronically or by mail. If mailing, entries must be postmarked by June 18, 2021, and sent to:

WSKG Student Writing Challenge
c/o WSKG Public Media
Attn: J. Stapleton-Durham
601 Gates Road
Vestal, New York 13850

***This is open to students who reside in the region that WSKG serves.***

Need support?

Education

Free PD Series for Social Studies Teachers

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“Let me tell you what I wish I’d known
When I was young and dreamed of glory
You have no control:
Who lives
Who dies
Who tells your story?”
–”Who lives, who dies, who tells your story?”, Hamilton
Every student has a voice and a story. Is it true that they have no control over how their stories are told, or can we provide resources to help them direct their own narratives? In this three part series educators will have the opportunity to explore tools, devices, and unique practices which encourage students to not only critically consider how history is defined, but also how to ensure their own stories are accurately documented and their point of view is conveyed. Cultivating Inclusive Spaces for Empathy Inquiry
April 10, 2019 | 7:00 P.M.

Brene Brown says, “Empathy is simply listening, holding space, withholding judgment, emotionally connecting, and communicating that incredibly healing message of you’re not alone.” And while the concept is clearly conveyed, teaching empathy, as it applies to understanding history especially, is not quite as clear cut or simple. Teachers, we hope you’ll join us for  the first of our three part series specifically for Social Studies educators, “Who Tells Your Story.” Through this exciting ‘live learning’ event, we’ll discuss how to cultivate inclusive spaces within your classroom so students can build a foundation for learning and inquiry that allows them to empathize with, and better understand, different perspectives.

Education

For the Love of Lit: Free Virtual Professional Learning Series for Teachers

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Teachers! Join us as we bring the Great American Read to your classroom. 

This four-part virtual professional learning series is designed for English Language Arts teachers, created FOR educators BY educators. With an emphasis on fun, engaging, accessible, and free tools for classrooms, this series will highlight techniques for engaging learners through essential communication skills, and present ideas for enhancing teaching practice through activities, projects, passion, and a connection to literature. PBS will provide a certificate of attendance for each one hour virtual professional learning event. For the Love of Lit: Inspiring Young Authors, with NaNoWriMo founder Chris Baty
October 17 @ 7-8pm ET

Designed by educators, this virtual professional learning experience will introduce a number of teaching models and strategies to enhance your practice. How can you inspire your students to be passionate writers and engaged readers?

Books

Free ‘Little Women’ Webinar for Teachers & Librarians

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FREE Webinar for Teachers & Librarians, Grades 6-12
Thursday, May 24, 2018 at 7pm EST

Loved by generations worldwide, LITTLE WOMEN is a universal coming-of-age story. In this webinar for educators, we use the new MASTERPIECE adaptation of LITTLE WOMEN and partner with the Great Books Foundation to explore why the classic novel’s themes still resonate with audiences 150 years after its publication. This webinar will support English teachers and librarians grades 6-12 and offers:

A tour of the media-based resources on PBS LearningMedia, featuring key scenes from the MASTERPIECE broadcast
A discussion of Great Books Foundation’s shared inquiry technique to help students think critically about the novel and reflect on its relevance today
Q&A with resource developers

Register Now

A Certificate of Participation will be sent to all who attend the live stream. A recording link will be available. Registration is limited so please sign up today.

2018

Winners of Writing Contests Announced

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Congratulations to the winners of WSKG’s 2018 PBS KIDS Writers Contest and Youth Writers Contest! 

Kindergarten
1st Place | Helicopter Rescue by Conrad Gopie
2nd Place | The Three Little Lambs and Hungry Fox by Joshua McKernan
3rd Place | Snakes and Sunflowers by Alice Abaya

First Grade
1st Place | Should You Get a Cat? by Amelia Parks
2nd Place | Lost and Found by Felicity Clarke
3rd Place | My Fun Snowy Day by Abigail Okogu

Second Grade
1st Place | Mary’s Roses by Grace Jean-Baptiste
2nd Place | A Vernal Pool Adventure by Frances Miller

Third Grade
1st Place | Grussel by Kyleigh Weiland
2nd Place | The True Story of Dorothy by Heyan Chung
3rd Place | Pick Me Pops by Evelyn Szeliga
Honorable Mention | The Mysterious Amazon River by Hudson Scaglione 

Fourth Grade
1st Place | U.S. Time Zones by Nehemiah Jahn
2nd Place | The Tiniest Royals by Reese Dimon

Fifth Grade
1st Place | Miss Literal by Inaaya Sethi
2nd Place | Stuck in Time by Ryan Witt
3rd Place | Tiny Tina by Lilia Mack
Honorable Mention | Hot Sauce Man by Ian Clark

Sixth Grade
1st Place | Dying Music by Ian Chung
2nd Place | The Case of the Missing Stanley Cups by Keyahn Sethi
3rd Place | A Typewriter of Truth by Kate Fehrer

 

 

 

Education

Contest Deadline Approaching

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The PBS KIDS Writers Contest is designed to promote the advancement of children’s reading skills through hands-on, active learning. It encourages children in grades K-3 in communities across the country to celebrate the power of creating stories and illustrations by submitting their own original pieces.  The contest extends the powerful tradition and annual success of the national “Reading Rainbow Young Writers and Illustrators Contest.” In 2014, the WSKG Youth Writers Contest launched in an effort to offer older students a unique writing opportunity, too!  This local contest is open to students in grades 4, 5, and 6. PBS KIDS Writers Contest (K-3) Entry Form
PBS KIDS Writers Contest K-3 Rules
WSKG Youth Writers Contest Entry Form & Rules

Submissions must be postmarked by April 30, 2018 and mailed to:

PBS Kids Writers Contest
c/o WSKG Public Media
Attn: J. Stapleton-Durham
601 Gates Road
Vestal, New York 13850

Questions ? Contact jstapleton@wskg.org

Education

One Month Left for Students to Enter ‘An Ear for Drama’

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You might listen to three podcasts a week, some streaming from a favorite website or others downloaded to your phone… But what entertainment could be found through your headphones before the internet? Enter the RADIO DRAMA! Wikipedia reminds us that radio drama first appeared in the 1920s and quickly rose in popularity. In the 1940s, it was a leading form of popular entertainment for children and adults; and one they often enjoyed together.

books

Two Months Left to Enter Local PBS KIDS Writers Contest

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This contest is designed to promote the advancement of children’s reading skills through hands-on, active learning. It encourages children in grades K-3 in communities across the country to celebrate the power of creating stories and illustrations by submitting their own original pieces.  The contest extends the powerful tradition and annual success of the national “Reading Rainbow Young Writers and Illustrators Contest.” In 2014, the WSKG Youth Writers Contest launched in an effort to offer older students a unique writing opportunity, too!  This local contest is open to students in grades 4, 5, and 6. PBS KIDS Writers Contest (K-3) Entry Form
PBS KIDS Writers Contest K-3 Rules
WSKG Youth Writers Contest Entry Form & Rules

Submissions must be postmarked by April 30, 2018 and mailed to:

PBS Kids Writers Contest
c/o WSKG Public Media
Attn: J. Stapleton-Durham
601 Gates Road
Vestal, New York 13850

Questions ? Contact jstapleton@wskg.org

collaboration

WSKG Writing for Radio Project Open to 7-12 Students

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You might listen to three podcasts a week, some streaming from a favorite website or others downloaded to your phone… But what entertainment could be found through your headphones before the internet? Enter the RADIO DRAMA! Wikipedia reminds us that radio drama first appeared in the 1920s and quickly rose in popularity. In the 1940s, it was a leading form of popular entertainment for children and adults; and one they often enjoyed together.

PBS Kids Writers Contest
Education

2018 PBS KIDS Writers Contest Opens!

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This contest is designed to promote the advancement of children’s reading skills through hands-on, active learning. It encourages children in grades K-3 in communities across the country to celebrate the power of creating stories and illustrations by submitting their own original pieces.  The contest extends the powerful tradition and annual success of the national “Reading Rainbow Young Writers and Illustrators Contest.” In 2014, the WSKG Youth Writers Contest launched in an effort to offer older students a unique writing opportunity, too!  This local contest is open to students in grades 4, 5, and 6. PBS KIDS Writers Contest (K-3) Entry Form
PBS KIDS Writers Contest K-3 Rules
WSKG Youth Writers Contest Entry Form & Rules

Submissions must be postmarked by April 30, 2018 and mailed to:

PBS Kids Writers Contest
c/o WSKG Public Media
Attn: J. Stapleton-Durham
601 Gates Road
Vestal, New York 13850

Questions ? Contact jstapleton@wskg.org

Arts

‘Two Girls, a Dog, and Death’: Interview with Creators of Local Radio Drama

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Last spring, four Ithaca area students worked together to write a script and submitted their radio drama to WSKG’s An Ear for Drama project. The judging committee unanimously selected it as the strongest entry. From here, the students visited WSKG and worked on voicing techniques and strengthening the script. In addition to writing a winning radio drama script, the students each took part in recording it at WSKG Studios alongside local professional voice actors. The students answered the following interview questions to share their perspective on the experience.

Education

One Week Left to Enter Annual Writing Contest

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The PBS KIDS Writers Contest is designed to promote the advancement of children’s reading skills through hands-on, active learning. It encourages children in grades K-3 in communities across the country to celebrate the power of creating stories and illustrations by submitting their own original pieces.  The contest extends the powerful tradition and annual success of the national “Reading Rainbow Young Writers and Illustrators Contest.” In 2014, the WSKG Youth Writers Contest launched in an effort to offer older students a unique writing opportunity, too!  This local contest is open to students in grades 4, 5, and 6. PBS KIDS Writers Contest (K-3) Entry Form
PBS KIDS Writers Contest Rules
WSKG Youth Writers Contest Entry Form & Rules

Submissions must be postmarked by April 28, 2017 and mailed to:

PBS Kids Writers Contest
c/o WSKG Public Media
Attn: J. Stapleton
601 Gates Road
Vestal, New York 13850

Questions ? Contact jstapleton@wskg.org

Creative Writing

Four Weeks Left for Children to Enter Annual Writing Contest

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The PBS KIDS Writers Contest is designed to promote the advancement of children’s reading skills through hands-on, active learning. It encourages children in grades K-3 in communities across the country to celebrate the power of creating stories and illustrations by submitting their own original pieces.  The contest extends the powerful tradition and annual success of the national “Reading Rainbow Young Writers and Illustrators Contest.” In 2014, the WSKG Youth Writers Contest launched in an effort to offer older students a unique writing opportunity, too!  This local contest is open to students in grades 4, 5, and 6. PBS KIDS Writers Contest (K-3) Entry Form
PBS KIDS Writers Contest Rules
WSKG Youth Writers Contest Entry Form & Rules

Submissions must be postmarked by April 28, 2017 and mailed to:

PBS Kids Writers Contest
c/o WSKG Public Media
Attn: J. Stapleton
601 Gates Road
Vestal, New York 13850

Questions ? Contact jstapleton@wskg.org

Education

Two Weeks Left for Students to Enter Radio Drama Contest

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Wikipedia reminds us that radio drama first appeared in the 1920s and quickly rose in popularity. In the 1940s, it was a leading form of popular entertainment for children and adults; and one they often enjoyed together. The invention of the television stunted this popularity, but radio dramas have continued to be produced over the past 90 years. What will happen if we combine the creative writing of students and teachers with the audio technology of 2017? (Something awesome, we think!)
Teachers and students: Create a script for a 15-minute radio drama that will air on WSKG Radio!

Education

Annual Writing Contests Await Stories from Youth

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The PBS KIDS Writers Contest is designed to promote the advancement of children’s reading skills through hands-on, active learning. It encourages children in grades K-3 in communities across the country to celebrate the power of creating stories and illustrations by submitting their own original pieces.  The contest extends the powerful tradition and annual success of the national “Reading Rainbow Young Writers and Illustrators Contest.” In 2014, the WSKG Youth Writers Contest launched in an effort to offer older students a unique writing opportunity, too!  This local contest is open to students in grades 4, 5, and 6. PBS KIDS Writers Contest (K-3) Entry Form
PBS KIDS Writers Contest Rules
WSKG Youth Writers Contest Entry Form & Rules

Submissions must be postmarked by April 28, 2017 and mailed to:

PBS Kids Writers Contest
c/o WSKG Public Media
Attn: J. Stapleton
601 Gates Road
Vestal, New York 13850

Questions ? Contact jstapleton@wskg.org

Education

'An Ear for Drama' Seeks Scripts From Student Groups

By |

You might listen to three podcasts a week, some streaming from a favorite website or others downloaded to your phone… But what entertainment could be found through your headphones beforethe internet? Enter the RADIO DRAMA! Wikipedia reminds us that radio drama first appeared in the 1920s and quickly rose in popularity. In the 1940s, it was a leading form of popular entertainment for children and adults; and one they often enjoyed together. The invention of the television stunted this popularity, but radio dramas have continued to be produced over the past 90 years.

Education

'An Ear for Drama' Project Open to Students

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You might listen to three podcasts a week, some streaming from a favorite website or others downloaded to your phone… But what entertainment could be found through your headphones before the internet? Enter the RADIO DRAMA! Wikipedia reminds us that radio drama first appeared in the 1920s and quickly rose in popularity. In the 1940s, it was a leading form of popular entertainment for children and adults; and one they often enjoyed together.

Education

Local Teens Share Hopes & Concerns for the Country

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Students in Carrie Tracey’s English classes at Union-Endicott School District’s Tiger Ventures spent the fall semester discussing critical issues facing their community and the nation. Their ideas went into a writing assignment, part of Letters to the Next President 2.0, a project aimed at engaging youth ages 13-18 across the U.S.

 

Listen to this audio postcard produced by WSKG’s Sarah Gager, which highlights some of the ideas and voices of Tiger Ventures students that participated in Letters to the Next President 2.0.  

This visual slideshow offers additional insight into the experience that these local students had including diversity of expression – through full letters, photos, graphics, and focus statements – crafted by and with the students. Interested in trying something similar in your classroom? Check out this project overview and modify as needed.

Education

Youth Media Project for Students

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You might listen to three podcasts a week, some streaming from a favorite website or others downloaded to your phone… But what entertainment could be found through your headphones before the internet? Enter the RADIO DRAMA! Wikipedia reminds us that radio drama first appeared in the 1920s and quickly rose in popularity. In the 1940s, it was a leading form of popular entertainment for children and adults; and one they often enjoyed together.

Education

Online Professional Development from PBS LearningMedia

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Looking to bring innovative lessons to your new students in September? Check out these free, media-rich professional development webinars for educators from PBS LearningMedia.  
Media-Based ELA Resources on PBS LearningMedia
Do you teach Romeo and Juliet, The Diary of Anne Frank, Great Expectations, and other classics? Discover how accessing classroom-ready videos and teaching tips from PBS can enhance media literacy while illuminating great works of literature and their creators. Register now!

Books

Honoring local winners of PBS KIDS Writers Contest

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A day to celebrate the young creative writers of our community! On Sunday, June 12, 2016, twenty-six students, their families, and friends gathered at WSKG Studios in Vestal, NY to honor the winning story entries. Awards were given to First, Second, and Third place entries from the local PBS KIDS Writers Contest for students in Kindergarten through Grade 3. First, Second, and Third place awards were also handed out to students in Grades 4, 5, and 6 as part of the WSKG Youth Writers Contest.  

Judges spoke about each story and read their favorite excerpts to the audience. Students were honored for both their creative writing and dynamic illustrations.

Books

Meet Superhero 'Gem Girl' in Elmira Girl's Winning Story

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Caylee Hinman won 1st place in the Second Grade category in WSKG’s local 2016 PBS KIDS Writers Contest. Caylee is 8 years old and lives in Elmira, NY with her mom and dad.  She enjoys school, gardening, rocks and gems, building with Legos, baking, reading, and most of all writing stories!  Caylee wrote her first book at the age of 3 titled “Happy Fall” inspired by the changing seasons.  She has been writing books ever since.  When Caylee grows up she is thinking of becoming an author. Here’s a Q&A we held with her!:

What is your story about?  Can you summarize it in just a sentence or two? My story is about a battle between good and evil, where Gem Girl and Diamond Dog fight Hot Dog Guy and Pickle Poodle to save the city.

Books

'The Adventures of Clean Guy and Trash' Wins Honor in Youth Writers Contest

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Keyahn Sethi won 1st place in the Fourth Grade category in the 2016 WSKG Youth Writers Contest. He is 9 years old and in fourth grade at The Crescent Academy in Johnson City, NY. A prankster who loves to write funny stories, Keyahn’s ultimate passion is sports.  He’s on the travel hockey team, the lacrosse team and also takes Gymnastics and Ninja classes.  He loves the outdoors and you can usually find him outside with his sisters biking, hiking by the river, or slacklining.

Books

'Faerie Realm' Awarded in Local Youth Writers Contest

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Logan Everson won 1st place in the Sixth Grade category in WSKG’s local 2016 Youth Writers Contest.  He is 12 years old and the oldest in his family.  He really likes acting and has been in two short films with BFI. He practices martial arts, plays soccer and tennis, and loves video games, writing, and drawing.  Logan shared thoughts on his experience writing this story and submitting it with our contest:

What is your story about?  Can you summarize it in just a sentence or two? This story is about a kid who finds a place called the Faerie Realm and helps the inhabitants against the Dark Queen.

Books

'Team Animal Ninja Competition' Combines Fact, Creative Writing and Beautiful Illustration

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Inaaya Sethi’s story The Team Animal Ninja Competition has received the 1st place honor in the third grade category in WSKG’s local 2016 PBS KIDS Writers Contest.  Inaaya is 8 years old and in third grade at The Crescent Academy in Johnson City, NY.   Inaaya loves to draw, colour, and write stories.  She’s a Girl Scout who loves the outdoors and is on the lacrosse team.  You can often find her outside hiking by the river, swimming, slacklining or biking.

Books

Ithaca Girl Shares Winning Story in WSKG's Youth Writers Contest

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Juliana Grantz won 1st place in the Fifth Grade category in the 2016 WSKG Youth Writers Contest.  Juliana is eleven years old and lives in Ithaca, NY, but is in the midst of moving to Aurora, NY right now! She has three younger sisters, no brothers, and another sister coming in October. Juliana enjoys singing, acting, writing, drawing, and other creative pastimes. She would like to be many things when she grows up, including an author and songwriter.

Books

Winners Announced for 'PBS KIDS Writers' & 'WSKG Youth Writers' Contests

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Thank you to the 203 students that shared their stories & illustrations with WSKG this year!  Our judging committee reviewed the entries and have selected the following winning stories.  Be sure to visit this webpage often as the stories will be uploaded for viewers to read! All children who entered the contests will receive their original story back through the mail. Kindergarten
1st Place | Grayden Everson | Spoon and Knife Adventure
2nd Place | Frances Miller | The Adventure Girl
3rd Place | Brooke Casey | Flutter and the Bumble Bee
Honorable Mention | Azreal Brown | The Two Bunnies

First Grade
1st Place | Heyan Chung | Robot Jobs
2nd Place | Hudson Scaglione | My Friend the Big Whale
3rd Place | Seema Patel | Trouble in Candy Land
Honorable Mention | Lydia Thompson | Our Cute and Funny Guinea Pigs!

Arts

Winning Entry of 'An Ear for Drama' Radio Contest Announced

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WSKG is pleased is to announce that ‘The Spelling Bee’ has been selected as the winning script for our inaugural radio drama contest. This entry was submitted by students from Jennie F. Snapp Middle School of the Union-Endicott School District.  Join us in congratulating the following individuals:

Teacher Robert Rarrick and students Brianna Attey, Janaya Brown, Rayna Doing, Derick Donato, John Knapp, L.J. Shabazz, Erica Smart, Michael Tye, Abigail Winans, Vishal Yalamanchili. We’ll be in pre-production and production this spring and ‘The Spelling Bee’ will be airing on WSKG Radio during summer 2016. Our Judging Committee was impressed with all of the entries and we will soon be sending feedback to every participant.

Education

Final Call for Entries to the 'PBS KIDS Writers Contest'

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This contest is designed to promote the advancement of children’s reading skills through hands-on, active learning. It encourages children in grades K-3 in communities across the country to celebrate the power of creating stories and illustrations by submitting their own original pieces.  The contest extends the powerful tradition and annual success of the national “Reading Rainbow Young Writers and Illustrators Contest.” In 2014, the WSKG Youth Writers Contest launched in an effort to offer older students a unique writing opportunity, too!  This local contest is open to students in grades 4, 5, and 6. PBS KIDS Writers Contest (K-3) Entry Form
PBS KIDS Writers Contest (K-3) Rules
WSKG Youth Writers Contest (4-6) Entry Form & Flyer

Submissions must be postmarked by April 29, 2016 and mailed to:

PBS Kids Writers Contest
c/o WSKG Public Media
Attn: J. Stapleton
601 Gates Road
Vestal, New York 13850

Questions ? Contact jstapleton@wskg.org

Education

Budding Authors and Artists Encouraged to Participate in the 'PBS KIDS Writers Contest'

By |

This contest is designed to promote the advancement of children’s reading skills through hands-on, active learning. It encourages children in grades K-3 in communities across the country to celebrate the power of creating stories and illustrations by submitting their own original pieces.  The contest extends the powerful tradition and annual success of the national “Reading Rainbow Young Writers and Illustrators Contest.” In 2014, the WSKG Youth Writers Contest launched in an effort to offer older students a unique writing opportunity, too!  This local contest is open to students in grades 4, 5, and 6. PBS KIDS Writers Contest (K-3) Entry Form
PBS KIDS Writers Contest (K-3) Rules
WSKG Youth Writers Contest (4-6) Entry Form & Flyer

Submissions must be postmarked by April 29, 2016 and mailed to:

PBS Kids Writers Contest
c/o WSKG Public Media
Attn: J. Stapleton
601 Gates Road
Vestal, New York 13850

Questions ? Contact jstapleton@wskg.org

Education

Deadline Approaching for WSKG's Newest Youth Media Project

By |

You might listen to three podcasts a week, some streaming from a favorite website or others downloaded to your phone… But what entertainment could be found through your headphones before the internet? Enter the RADIO DRAMA! Wikipedia reminds us that radio drama first appeared in the 1920s and quickly rose in popularity. In the 1940s, it was a leading form of popular entertainment for children and adults; and one they often enjoyed together.

Education

2016 PBS KIDS Writers Contest

By |

This contest is designed to promote the advancement of children’s reading skills through hands-on, active learning. It encourages children in grades K-3 in communities across the country to celebrate the power of creating stories and illustrations by submitting their own original pieces.  The contest extends the powerful tradition and annual success of the national “Reading Rainbow Young Writers and Illustrators Contest.” In 2014, the WSKG Youth Writers Contest launched in an effort to offer older students a unique writing opportunity, too!  This local contest is open to students in grades 4, 5, and 6. PBS KIDS Writers Contest (K-3) Entry Form
PBS KIDS Writers Contest (K-3) Rules
WSKG Youth Writers Contest (4-6) Entry Form & Flyer

Submissions must be postmarked by April 29, 2016 and mailed to:

PBS Kids Writers Contest
c/o WSKG Public Media
Attn: J. Stapleton
601 Gates Road
Vestal, New York 13850

Questions ? Contact jstapleton@wskg.org

Education

Use the 2015 'PBS KIDS Writers Contest' Winning Entries to Inspire Your Story

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Is your child considering entering the PBS KIDS Writers Contest this year?  Dates, forms, and rules are available for your review!  PBS Parents offers simple suggestions to help parents help their child discovery their inner writer.  You can keep it light playing any of these story/writing themed games  from PBS KIDS. PBS KIDS Writers Contest | 2015 Winners

Kindergarten
1st Place – “The Great Friendship” by Tara Evans, Binghamton, NY
2nd Place – “Piggy Trouble” by Parmis Sadeghian, Binghamton, NY
3rd Place – “The Rainy Day” by Ellie Russell, Apalachin, NY

First Grade
1st Place – “Alice’s Bad Hair Day” by Sidra El Ghissassi, Vestal, NY
2nd Place – “How to Make a Garden of Friends” by Inaaya Sethi, Binghamton, NY
3rd Place – “Caylee the Astronaut” by Caylee Hinman, Elmira, NY


Second Grade
1st Place – “The Run Away Turkey” by Cecily Smith, Owego, NY
2nd Place – “The Wimmer World” by Rylan Everson, Conklin, NY
3rd Place – “My Name is Ava!”

Education

Time to Enter our Annual 'PBS KIDS Writers Contest'

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This contest is designed to promote the advancement of children’s reading skills through hands-on, active learning. It encourages children in grades K-3 in communities across the country to celebrate the power of creating stories and illustrations by submitting their own original pieces.  The contest extends the powerful tradition and annual success of the national “Reading Rainbow Young Writers and Illustrators Contest.” In 2014, the WSKG Youth Writers Contest launched in an effort to offer older students a unique writing opportunity, too!  This local contest is open to students in grades 4, 5, and 6. PBS KIDS Writers Contest (K-3) Entry Form
PBS KIDS Writers Contest (K-3) Rules
WSKG Youth Writers Contest (4-6) Entry Form & Flyer

Submissions must be postmarked by April 29, 2016 and mailed to:

PBS Kids Writers Contest
c/o WSKG Public Media
Attn: J. Stapleton
601 Gates Road
Vestal, New York 13850

Questions ? Contact jstapleton@wskg.org

Education

Looking for a Weekend Activity? Stay Home and Write with Your Child.

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PBS KIDS Writers Contest | 2014 Winners
Local judges reviewed the 2014 entries to WSKG’s annual PBS KIDS Writers Contest and we are pleased to share the winning stories and compilation video!  Thank you to all of the youth who shared their creativity with us – we admire your hard work! Considering entering this year?  Dates, forms, and rules are available for your review!  PBS Parents offers simple suggestions to help parents help their child discovery their inner writer.

Books

'Read Across America' 2016 Arrives

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Every year, on March 2nd, the National Education Association (NEA) celebrates Dr. Seuss’s Birthday as Read Across America Day. We’ve assembled a few online resources to help you celebrate Seuss-style and to encourage families to read together. Dr. Seuss Crafts Roundup from PBS Parents features adorable, low-cost craft ideas for the early learner! Are you a busy parent and short on time? PBS KIDS has compiled this online Reading Activity Calendar full of simple, easy ideas for you to incorporate at home! Co-watch The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That!  on WSKG TV (Monday-Friday at 1:30pm) and follow up with an online game.

Education

Annual 'PBS KIDS Writers Contest' Seeks Stories

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This contest is designed to promote the advancement of children’s reading skills through hands-on, active learning. It encourages children in grades K-3 in communities across the country to celebrate the power of creating stories and illustrations by submitting their own original pieces.  The contest extends the powerful tradition and annual success of the national “Reading Rainbow Young Writers and Illustrators Contest.” In 2014, the WSKG Youth Writers Contest launched in an effort to offer older students a unique writing opportunity, too!  This local contest is open to students in grades 4, 5, and 6. PBS KIDS Writers Contest (K-3) Entry Form
PBS KIDS Writers Contest (K-3) Rules
WSKG Youth Writers Contest (4-6) Entry Form & Flyer

Submissions must be postmarked by April 29, 2016 and mailed to:

PBS Kids Writers Contest
c/o WSKG Public Media
Attn: J. Stapleton
601 Gates Road
Vestal, New York 13850

Questions ? Contact jstapleton@wskg.org

Education

Young Writers are Invited to Enter the 2016 'PBS KIDS Writers Contest'

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This contest is designed to promote the advancement of children’s reading skills through hands-on, active learning. It encourages children in grades K-3 in communities across the country to celebrate the power of creating stories and illustrations by submitting their own original pieces.  The contest extends the powerful tradition and annual success of the national “Reading Rainbow Young Writers and Illustrators Contest.” In 2014, the WSKG Youth Writers Contest launched in an effort to offer older students a unique writing opportunity, too!  This local contest is open to students in grades 4, 5, and 6. PBS KIDS Writers Contest (K-3) Entry Form
PBS KIDS Writers Contest (K-3) Rules
WSKG Youth Writers Contest (4-6) Entry Form & Flyer

Submissions must be postmarked by April 29, 2016 and mailed to:

PBS Kids Writers Contest
c/o WSKG Public Media
Attn: J. Stapleton
601 Gates Road
Vestal, New York 13850

Questions ? Contact jstapleton@wskg.org

Education

American Graduate Champion | Lonna Pierce

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WSKG Public Media is proud to profile local teaching librarian and American Graduate Champion Lonna Pierce. Lonna started the Eleanor Henricks Countywide Poetry Recitation for Children, which celebrates young poets from throughout Broome County. A quarter of a century later she is still running the program and enriching the lives of many children. https://youtu.be/Qye8oNUzmsI

Who’s the champion in your life? Follow the American Graduate movement!

Education

Youth Media Resources | Audio

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WSKG is proud to host a variety of youth media programs for our community.  This resource page was assembled specifically to assist participants of An Ear For Drama but any young media maker is welcome to check out the links below. BBC Writers Room | Radio plays are alive and well on the BBC.  The online tools found in ‘Scriptwriting Essentials’ are a great place to start for the novice dramatist!  We recommend this downloadable PDF template to use as a guide for your script!

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Study: ‘Fixed Costs’ Double Time Spent On Standardized Tests

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Changes to New York standardized testing are in the air. Governor Cuomo’s Common Core Task Force finished its public sessions last month examining the state’s standards and testing program, and Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia has already pledged to shorten math and English Language Arts (ELA) exams.

According to the New York Times, Cuomo may be ready to de-link tests and evaluations entirely. In the midst of it all, though, a new study from SUNY New Paltz urges the state to re-think how it calculates time spent on tests. Co-author Robin Jacobowitz says testing takes more time in schools than we realize. The report estimates the “fixed costs” of testing: extra chunks of time used to prepare and get students back on track after the exam.