Alliance President & CEO Patrick D'Amelio, Madrona Nurse Diana Patterson, Seattle Public Schools Lead Director of Instruction Ruth Medsker, and Madrona 5th grade teacher Suzanne Righi, celebrate with Principal Kaaren Andrews (far right).

Madrona literacy coach Pam Robert and Middle School Administrator Anthony Kane helped arrange the surprise at a "staff meeting" where Principal Andrews was greeted by school staff and representatives of the Alliance and Seattle Public Schools. Alliance and school district leaders praised Principal Andrews' leadership and awarded her a $50,000 check to support student learning. Principal Andrews praised the Madrona staff for their commitment to student success.

Typically, when community members are recruited to participate as judges for student presentations in high schools, the emphasis is on what they have to offer--a receptive audience, "real-world" expertise, and immediate feedback. In my recent experience at Cleveland High School, what students offered me more than equaled what I brought to them.

The purpose of the oral presentations was for seniors to reflect on their work, share excerpts from their research papers, and respond to probing questions. Oral presentations are one part of the Senior Project process, which includes other key pieces: choosing and researching a topic that students see as a concern in their community, writing an 8- to 10-page paper, and developing a project to be implemented in the second semester.

Classmates and reviewers listen as senior Jerrehl Charles presents his paper.

The goal of the drive was to collect "2008 in 2008"-high-quality, age-appropriate books to enrich the literacy experiences of young children, primarily infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and those in early elementary grades. In addition, donations of classical music CDs were solicited to supplement the reading materials. According to Nina Auerbach, CEO of Child Care Resources and Chair of the Early Learning Subcommittee coordinating the effort, "We have more than exceeded our goal! The level of community support has been very exciting for a first-year effort!"