Spotlight on IS 206: Lit C.R.E.W. in Action!
This month, we’re shining a well-deserved spotlight on IS 206 – Ann Mersereau in the Bronx, where literacy is coming to life in the most exciting ways! Partnering with Good Shepherd Services, under the leadership of Quinton Ervin (Director) and Debies Estrella (Assistant Director & Literacy Educator), this incredible school has embraced the Lit C.R.E.W. model with enthusiasm and creativity. Their Program Manager, Marleny Polanco, has been instrumental in guiding them through this transformative experience.
A New Adventure in Literacy
Though IS 206 has been partnering with ExpandED Schools for over eight years, this is their first year with Lit C.R.E.W., and the impact has been incredible! The students have fully immersed themselves in their current book, Stef Soto, Taco Queen by Jennifer Torres, and they’re not just reading—they’re living the story through hands-on, real-world experiences.
Journalism in Action!
IS 206 has chosen Journalism as their creative focus, and these young writers are diving deep into the many facets of media storytelling. Their projects include:
📌 Recipe Writing – Crafting their own delicious taco recipes inspired by the book!
📌 Pamphlet Design – Creating informational brochures about food culture.
📌 Food Reviews – Tasting and critiquing local food, just like real journalists.
📌 Community Exploration – Visiting food trucks, sampling dishes, and documenting their experiences through interviews and written reflections.
📌 Hands-on Cooking – Preparing tacos and learning the cultural significance of food.
This immersive approach to literacy allows students to apply their vocabulary in everyday conversations, helping them connect language to real-world experiences.


Bringing Literacy to Life
At IS 206, literacy is more than just words on a page—it’s a bridge to real-world exploration! Through Lit C.R.E.W., students aren’t just reading about Stef Soto’s journey; they are experiencing it firsthand, making deep, personal connections to the text.
By blending reading, writing, and journalism, the students are not only improving their literacy skills but also gaining valuable real-world experiences that build confidence and creativity.
Kudos to IS 206 for an amazing start to their Lit C.R.E.W. journey! We can’t wait to see what this talented group of young journalists creates next. #LitCREW #IS206 #GoodShepherdServices #ExpandEDSchools #LiteracyInAction #StefSotoTacoQueen
