Writing Center
Imagine a place where writing reaches a place of ease and joy. At the Writing Center, Upper School students have access to peer tutoring and writing events to support their individual craft and strengthen the culture of writing at the School.
Since its 2010 inception, the Writing Center has provided supportive peer tutoring service for countless Upper School students. In individual tutoring sessions, trained Writing Tutors help students fulfill their writing goals, whether in academic assignments, personal writing, or creative pursuits. At SSFS, we know that writing isn’t limited to humanities classes; rather, success in writing is central to success in college and throughout life.
The Writing Center seeks to foster students' independence: mastering the process of writing is emphasized over perfecting the product. In other words, we hope to improve the writer, not just the paper. Therefore, tutors do not simply proofread or edit papers; they teach writers how to spot and correct errors more effectively. In addition, tutors are trained in non-directive advising methods, which ultimately empowers the writer with a sense of autonomy.
Building A Culture Of Writing
In addition to tutoring, the Writing Center is the hub for writing on campus. Throughout the academic year, the Writing Center hosts several events designed to pique students' interest in writing, celebrate the craft and practice of writing, and assist organizations devoted to promoting writing in underserved populations.
Events and initiatives have included:
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Scrabble-Boggle Tournaments, Writing Retreats, and Assemblies in connection with Free Minds Book Club
- Journalism in the Twenty-First Century: A Panel Discussion with David Millikin of Agence France-Presse and Kevin Merida and Steve Hendrix of the Washington Post
- Black History DC Writers' Tour
- Literary and Cinematic Halloween Costume Contest
- Virtual "Read-Out" Videos in Celebration of Banned Books Week
- Writing for a Cause: A Political and Social-Change Writing Workshop with Mike Russo of United States Public Interest Research Group (USPIRG), Kathryn Poindexter of Stone’s Phones, and Pedro Morillas of Fenton Communications
- Food and Wine Writing Panel with catered reception, featuring Sally Swift of The Splendid Table, Michael Franz of Wine Review Online, and cookbook author David Hagedorn
- Author Talk and Signing with Todd Moss, author of The Golden Hour
- Author Talk and Signing with Tracy Chevalier, author of Girl With a Pearl Earring and many others
- Sports Journalism Panel with Mike Wise and Jason Reid of ESPN and Liz Clarke of Washington Post
