The Writing Center: For All Your Writing Needs!

“Excellent opportunity to get to know your peers and earn SSL hours, while mutually improving your writing skills,” says sophomore William Risse. 

At lunch in A-103 on Tuesdays and Thursdays, students can visit the Writing Center for help with all of their English needs. Whether that is help on an essay, PowerPoint, lab report, DBQ, or even a poem, the tutors are ready and waiting to assist!

When planning a visit to the Writing Center, you can bring your chromebook or use the provided computers in the lab–just be sure to have the instructions for the assignment prepared in advance, along with any specific questions you may have. Don’t be afraid to bring your lunch;chances are your tutor will be eating too! Be on the lookout for the sign to the left in the A-hallway on the first floor if you ever have trouble finding the room. 

Another perk of the Writing Center is that there is always candy and stickers available for tutors and tutees alike. There is even a raffle that you can enter after meeting with a tutor for a free gift card. Getting help with writing and a free prize? Count me in. 

Teacher sponsors Dr. Gail Viechnicki and Mr. Robel Bing have been working together since last spring to train tutors and facilitate Writing Center conferences. Viechnicki worked for her high school’s Writing Center, and later got a scholarship to help students at her college’s Writing Center. She got her PhD in linguistics from the University of Chicago, before joining MCPS last year. 

During college application season, a trip to the Writing Center can be especially helpful. “I came in with a bunch of ideas and Amy helped me concise it into bullet points that I can turn into an essay,” says senior Aba Owaba. 

“I hope Aba came away with something useful,” says senior National English Honors Society Amy Lamb. “Looking at other people’s writing helps me improve my own skills so I am grateful for that aspect.”

For more information, be sure to check out the Writing Center’s website. Where you can find general information about the space, and even introductions to the sponsors and students in the group.