Middle schoolers in our Bright Futures Academy showed off their art and writing skills this fall during our inaugural Poetry and Art Contest.

English teacher Jackie Carll launched the contest to help engage students in their writing and reading comprehension work, helping them make connections between different subject areas while building their ELA skills.

“When I thought about poetry, it occurred to me that not all students feel successful with words,” Carll said. “Adding an art category allowed additional students to express themselves visually and it was more inclusive of our students.”

In all, 22 students from seven school districts entered the contest. Principal Ashely DiBella and Coordinator Tricia Hughes announced first and second place finishers in each category following a program-wide vote by students and staff.

All submitted poetry and artwork has been on display in the middle school during the month of November and will close ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.