Stop the Music! by Second Grade Students from Ms. Martin's Class at University Prep

Stop t h e Music!

Written by Second Grade Students from

Ms. Martin’s

Class

at University Prep Academy Mark Murray Campus in Detroit, MI An 826michigan Publication | <3 | 2023

vs. Anti-Superman Pop Singer in the Bank Parade

Friends

nce upon a time, there was a library house with a long walkway and lots of books. There were signs everywhere that said things like “Read books,” “No talking,” and “Study.” It smelled like 2 avocados and fruity perfume and was really quiet. Only the sound of pages turning could be heard.

On the street in front of the library house, there was a parade for a bank. In the parade line, there was a Dragon Art Teacher with his students, a Cat-Dog-Dragon that breathed orange and yellow fire, and an Anti-Superman Pop Singer.

As they passed the corn dog station, they met Sarah the Unicorn, a Robot-Dragon, and a Cat-Dog who were hard at work. Everyone was singing along to “Never Say Never” by Justin Bieber until the AntiSuperman Pop Singer started singing. His superpower was REALLY BAD SINGING!

The old and new friends needed to figure out a way to stop AntiSuperman Pop Singer before he ruined the parade …

O

inspires school-aged students to write with skill and confidence in collaboration with adult volunteers in their communities.

Our writing and tutoring programs uphold a culture of creativity and imagination and support students in establishing strong habits of mind. Through publication and community engagement, we provide students with an authentic and enthusiastic audience for their writing. Our programs provide an energizing creative outlet for students and meaningful volunteer opportunities for community members.

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WRITING IS

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826 National was inspired to take a stand on issues of inclusion and diversity in light of the many events that spotlighted social and racial injustices throughout the country. We as educators, volunteers, and caring adults need to be aware of the wide range of issues our students face on a day-to-day basis. We need to support these young people as they navigate through and try to make sense of the world and their own identities.

We need the support and the feedback from our community to ensure 826 is living up to these standards. Through our inclusion statement, our internal diversity and inclusion group, cultural competency resources provided to staff and volunteers, and partnerships with other organizations, we are always working towards being a more inclusive and supportive organization.

We at 826 have the privilege of working with the next generation of scholars, teachers, doctors, artists, lawyers, and writers. It's our job to make sure they are able to take their own stands.

As an organization committed to encouraging youth in their creative expression, personal growth, and academic success, 826 National and its chapters recognize the importance of diversity at all levels and in all aspects of our work. In order to build and maintain the safe, supportive 826 environment in which great leaps in learning happen, we commit ourselves to inclusion: we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, nationality, marital status, English fluency, parental status, military service, or disability.

The 826 National network is committed to encouraging youth to express themselves and to use the written word to effectively do so. We encourage our students to write, take chances, make decisions, and finish what they start. And 826 strives to do this in an environment free from discrimination and exclusion.