Let's be Poetic

Waxing Poetic

By Ms. Ertelt

Did you know that April is National Poetry Month? A whole month focusing on poems and poetic language. Before you disregard this idea, remember that poetry is found not just in poetry books, but in stories, in speeches, and most importantly in music. Look at your favorite songs, you'll find some element of poetry. Rap is most especially dependent on poetic license. So take a moment this week, and appreciate some poetry. Poetry covers every genre of human emotion, all topics of social and emotional expanse, and crosses all barrier we put up- sex, race, age, nationality. Here are some excellent poetry choices.
Shout by Laurie Halse Anderson
In free verse, Anderson shares reflections, rants, and calls to action woven between deeply personal stories from her life that she's never written about before. Searing and soul-searching, this important memoir is a denouncement of our society's failures and a love letter to all the people with the courage to say #MeToo and #TimesUp, whether aloud, online, or only in their own hearts. This isn't just poetry, but a memoir. It is very timely and very powerful message about how, in spite of systemic failure, the human spirit triumphs.
 Poetry 101 by Susan Dalzell
Poetry 101 is your companion to the wonderful world of meter and rhyme, and walks you through the basics of poetry. From Shakespeare and Chaucer, to Maya Angelou and Rupi Kaur, you'll explore the different styles and methods of writing, famous poets, and poetry movements and concepts--and even find inspiration for creating poems of your own. This book contains classic poets to modern poets. It allows the reader to experience poetry as it evolved and see how things change and stay the same as the world evolves.
The Complete Poetry of Maya Angelou
The amazing Maya Angelou led an inspiring, diverse life filled with compassion, drive, and energy. In this collection, the reader will experience her range of emotions and experience life through a pivotal figure, whether addressing power, greed, love, assault, civil rights, or everyday inspirations Ms. Angelou's powerful words can move and inspire you.


Pure Water: Poetry of Rumi
Pure Water is Coleman Barks' inspired live performance of the poetry of Jellaludin Rumi (1207-1273) by with Sufi stories & jokes, accompanied with music by Bach, O'Carolan, Friesen and others. The performance captured in this recording recalls the essence of the communal celebrations of poetry, stories, jokes, prayer, and music in which Rumi's work was first uttered, but presents it in a distinctive contemporary setting. Coleman's words combine with the cello of Grammy Award-winner Eugene Friesen, carrying the language directly into the heart of the listener with a diverse menu of world folk melodies, Bach, and improvisation. As Rumi wrote: "What is the soul? Consciousness. The more awareness, the deeper the soul, and when such essence overflows, you feel a sacredness around. It's so simple to tell one who puts on a robe and pretends to be a dervish from the real thing. We know the taste of pure water..."

To find poems that might interest you, Search the ebook options at Jefferson County Public Library.

Follow this Podcast: Aiden Tyler, Quaran-teened: Author Rex is writing this novel and presenting the chapter-by-chapter read-aloud for middle schoolers offering real-time, about our real-world predicament in a webcast "serial". Tune in every Tuesday at 2pm ET to catch the latest of the story. Missed the first few? Go to the link to catch up. If you stick around after he's read the latest chapter, there is a weekly Q&A with Mr. Rex.

What's the Pro about Procrastination?

by Mrs. Dockerty

Vikings are doing a great job logging in and taking attendance in classes! However, getting work turned in, or turned in on time, can be an issue. Check out this fun video from Maddie Moate on how to stop procrastinating and how to help yourself stay on track! Use the tips from the video last week and these tips from Maddie to help you get your work done in less time.

Receiving in Grace

From Ms. Whipple

"The greatest gift you can give another person is to gracefully receive whatever it is they want to give us." ~ Fred Rogers

Receive Gracefully- Middle school students may struggle with how to respond when they are given something, especially compliments or simple help with an assignment. It's helpful to learn how to receive gracefully and understand the effect it has on both ourselves and on the person giving. Watch this video and read the story below.

Street Compliments

All Good Things Story from Sister Mrosla

We often tend to forget the importance of showing our affections and love. Sometimes, the smallest of things could mean the most to another. With your family, share compliments with each other. You could share them verbally at the dinner table or have a sheet of paper for each family member and list all the good things about that person (like in the story All good Things). Keep these compliments with you so you can remember how amazing you are, even on the days it's easier to forget.

Jeffco's Make Bake Shake Site

Jeffco has a site that has ideas of things to make, bake, and exercise. Click this Link to access the page.