Dear Birch Lane Community,
The Birch Lane expectations are to create a Responsible, Respectful
and Safe campus. To that end, we would like to offer an inclusive
format which honors the diversity that comprises our community. This
year your class or student has the opportunity to participate in the
Social Justice Poetry Festival at Birch Lane on April 26th. This
festival is not a competition.
What is the Social Justice Poetry Festival?
The Poetry Festival is an oral language event for all students.
Student performances will address issues related to social justice.
Any poem or speech that addresses social justice and/or creating a
world that is safe and equitable for all people will be accepted. We
will honor the work of our great social justice leaders. It is in
honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and continues his tradition of
excellence in oration. It also reminds us that he wanted to see all
people living in harmony and treated equitably, and fairly. He wanted
all people to actively work toward this goal. Students may perform in
the following areas:
1. Individual Poetry/Prose – an original or famous work is presented
by one person.
2. Choral Speaking/Verse Choir- an original or famous work is
presented by 2 or more students. This could be groups of students or a
whole class.
The information sheet and entry forms are available from your child’s
teacher, from the coordinators and in the office.
Entry forms are due on Friday, March 3rd.
Thank you,
Roxanne Deutsch rdeutsch@djusd.net and Laura Shapiro lshapiro@djusd.net