@laurawitman Yes! A 6th grader told me today how excited she was to meet so many new kids. And she said she has three new friends who invited her to get together this weekend. Love.
@ABoulrice I was a great writer too, and I would have HATED TDAs as a kid. Too restrictive. But over time I learned the discipline through academic writing that TDAs require, and my writing is stronger as a result. As in most things, I think balance is the key. Doesn't have to be either/or.