Celebrating Poetry In Our Schools

National Poetry Month celebrates the importance of poetry and is spotlighted by Literacy Day at Briggs Chaney Middle School. “In 2005, I had the concept of celebrating the literacy accomplishments of our students at Briggs Chaney Middle School,” said Dr. Jenise B Leach, English/Reading Literacy teacher. This year marks the 20th year. 

In addition to celebrating Read Across America, the event celebrated students whose original poems were published in this year's Anthology of Poetry by Young Americans. “We had 100 students get published, which is a record number for us,” said Dr. Leach. 

Sixteen students were selected to share their original poems at the event. As the students read their poems aloud, their slideshows were projected. A few of those poems can be found below.

• Cure for Cancer by Ruth De Jesus, 6th Grade
• Going Through Anxiety by Valentina Portillo-Vasquez, 6th Grade
• Hope of our Planet by Sinbonuf Dessa, 7th Grade
• World Hunger by Aria-Fabiana Panou, 6th Grade

View the photos from the event: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjC8Tb6.