| Stop the Drugs!
– This on-going digital story telling project was created in response to an over-whelming presence of drug paraphernalia and litter left in a neighborhood park.
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Poetry
– As a part of the creative writing process, students use poetry to express issues that are of
concern to them and in which they are interested. In "On My Way to School," Jah'Naya Jones
conveys a message of initial trepidation as she evaluates the threats to her safety while walking to school each day.
She discovers her inner strength and is empowered to rise above her circumstances.
Her poem was honored with a 1st Prize distinction in the 2011 Paterson Students' Poetry Contest.
On My Way to School
by Jah'Naya Jones
On my way to school, I see some scary things.
I am so scared of walking to school by myself.
People are dying.
I am scared that I will die too.
Humming to myself helps me calm down.
Dogs bark at me.
I think, what's my song?
Cops are driving wild because
crime is going on everywhere.
I think, what's my song?
Now I see how people live outside.
I think, what's my song?
Now I know what to bring outside.
I know my song.
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Daddy Blues
– Journal writing is a valuable part of the writing process. Students are encouraged to use this medium of expression as an anger management strategy as well.
After an explosive outburst in class, DC was encouraged to write about his emotions. His classmates were also asked to reflect on the incident and how they
were affected by the outburst. During a subsequent afternoon meeting, students shared journal entries and provided solace to each other.
This exercise is an example of self-rehabilitation and affirmation.
Students are encouraged to develop a "self-determination perspective" to overcome situations that blight the potential of a productive future.
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