Thursday, April 20, 2017

WIZARD NATION CELEBRATES POETRY MONTH

By TONI-ANN HOM 

This April marks the third year that Washingtonville High School celebrates National Poetry Month.  Poetry month started nationally in 1996 and English teacher, Danielle Todaro, decided to bring this celebration of poetry to Wizard Nation three years ago. 

There are many details that go along with poetry month. Teachers and students have the ability to post their poems on the board outside of room 134.  There will be two poetry quests, a chance to win a Barnes and Noble gift card, and poetry on the tables in the cafeterias. For many, Poetry Month is a chance to come out of their comfort zones and express a passion for poetry. 

TONI-ANN HOM FOR WIZARD WEEKLY
Poetry Month at WHS means that students will have the opportunity to participate in two poetry quests throughout the month of April. Ms. Todaro has strategically posted lines of a poem throughout the building and students can locate the different lines to put the poem together like a puzzle.  This is a great way to test students’ knowledge while giving them a chance to win a $20 gift card to Barnes and Noble donated by the Washingtonville PTSO. The first poetry quest will run until April 7th and there will be a second one after spring break. 

Aside from the poetry quest, Ms. Todaro wants to give to students and teachers a chance to share their own original poems. There is a bulletin board located outside Ms. Todaro’s classroom, room 134.  Stop by before school, during passing, and even after school to pin your poem on the board.  Students can also share their poems on Ms. Todaro’s website.  Just share the poem on google docs and she will post it to her website. The poems can be anonymous if students would like to keep their anonymity. It is amazing to see how many students and teachers participate in such a great celebration and students love seeing their teachers get involved with what the school has to offer. 

Many people are not given the opportunity to show their passion for poetry. This month, there are many ways for poems to be published for the whole student body to see. “Being an English teacher, I feel like Poetry Month shouldn’t go unnoticed. I feel as if people should be able to enrich their lives by reading the poetry around the building and come out of their comfort zones with the poetry they write. It’s really nice to be able to display the different poems written by students and teachers,” Ms. Todaro explained excitedly. 

Lauren Horowitz, a junior at WHS, also shared her thoughts on Poetry Month and how she feels about writing poetry. “Poetry Month really gives people the opportunity to think outside the box, and get them out of their comfort zones to read or write a piece of literature that they are interested in. I love to write poetry, for I enjoy releasing my thoughts out on paper in a creative way. I was very thankful for being able to read my poem on BGTV and to give students the opportunity to listen to my poem. ” 

Students and teachers are encouraged to submit their poems throughout the month of April.  This is truly a great way for poetry to be spread throughout our school. Ms. Todaro works hard each  year to make sure students get more involved with their poetry. Hopefully in the future, more students will take part in such a special event!

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