West Essex Middle School English Students Celebrate Poetry

West Essex Middle School Seventh Graders celebrated poetry for National Poetry Month with a special "Poem in Your Pocket Day" August 24. The American Academy of Poets declared Thursday, April 24 as "Poem in Your Pocket Day." Middle School English Teacher James Massa observed the day in his seventh grade English classes by inviting students and staff to read their favorite poems and explain why they mean something to them.

Mr. Massa shared his favorite poem "Those Winter Sundays" by Robert Hayden which makes him think of his father and the sacrifices that he made for him growing up.

"The students had an enriching experience sharing their poems with their classmates," Mr. Massa said. "I also believe that hearing adults read poetry and the impact it’s had on them helped the kids appreciate the value of poetry in their lives.

Special thanks to Mrs. Tamburri for all of her help and Mrs. Morse and Mr. Popat "for their approval, support, encouragement and enthusiasm for poetry," Mr. Massa said.
He also thanked all of the teachers and staff who came in to share their favorite poems, he said. The following staff participated in the special event.

Sue Giordano- “IF” by Rudyard Kipling

Lanaya Torres - “Atrophy” by Lanaya Torres –our resident poet

Ruth Caputo– “Llama” by Brad Bogart

Maghoney Borrayo – “Sick” by Shel Silverstein

Al Longden –“The Female of the Species” by Rudyard Kipling

Allison Freeman – “This is Just to Say” by William Carlos Williams, “Keep it Simple” by Unknown, and “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost

Dana Bartello – “Did I Miss Anything” by Tom Wagman

Catherine Spinella – “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost

Erica Serio– “Spring Storm” by Jim Wayne Miller

James Massa– “Those Winter Sundays” by Robert Hayden