Cleveland Heights - University Heights City School District

On Friday, January 20^th, the Gearity community visited with a famous author and two of the dogs from her book series.  Sandra J. Philipson, the author of several books about her dogs, Max, Annie, Tak, Trini, and Ollie captivated readers young and old.  We were all fascinated to learn about how Ms. Philipson created her stories and how her dogs were the source of her writing.  Jenny Campbell, the illustrator of her books also taught an art lesson during the presentations.  Our librarian, Ms. Joyce Dougherty, scheduled the day so that all classrooms would have time with Ms. Philipson and her dogs, Tak and Ollie.  We were fortunate to have two PTA Moms, Mrs. Gulden and Mrs. Veccia, assist with the dogs throughout the day so that they were walked and had time to rest between classroom visits.  Our students enjoyed learning more about how to write creatively as well as about each of Ms. Philipson’s dogs.  Ms. Philipson sent us a letter stating that our students were “well behaved, attentive, and full of enthusiasm and creativity”.  I am certain that this wonderful visit served as inspiration for our students to persevere in their own writing.