Today I volunteered with the School Volunteer Service Association of Bridgeport. They had recruited dozens of people to go into the classrooms of Bridgeport CT today to read to classes. We all had age-appropriate picture books and our task was just to go into the classroom and read.

Bridgeport is a city in Southern Connecticut. Unlike its wealthy neighbors (Westport, Easton, Fairfield etc) Bridgeport is one of the nation’s poorest cities. There are signs of urban renewal, especially around the waterfront, but the city has a reputation for crime and corruption.  I know the schools are under-funded and kids are under-served.  My kids, in contrast, go to a ridiculously excellent public school. I find the disparity shameful and I jumped at the chance to help in any small way I could.

I had no idea what to expect from a “magnet” school.  6 to 6 was a revelation. I walked in and the interior was colorful and well-designed, even cheerful. A charming 4th grader escorted me to the meeting in the media center, chattering all the while about how wonderful the school was.  6 to 6 is a Science, Mathematics and Technology school.  Admission is based on lottery. Through special grants they have computers, smart boards and something called “probeware.” (I didn’t dare ask). They work with local museums and even NASA. When I arrived at Ms. Warren’s 6th grade class, I was ready to be amazed by these kids but a little nervous that they were more about math than literature.

I needn’t have worried. The kids were engaged and funny — they listened respectfully except when they were too eager to talk about the book we were reading (Nubs: A True Story of a Mutt, a Marine and a Miracle by Brian Dennis and Kirby Larson). They were so excited to hear about my book and afterwards rushed me for autographs. I’ll definitely be going back because they were so much fun!

Here’s a picture: