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News from the North House Weekly News and Reflections from the Middle School

Week of January 22nd, 2018

"Poetry is ordinary language raised to the Nth power. Poetry is boned with ideas, nerved and blooded with emotions, all held together by the delicate, tough skin of words." – Paul Engle

The gray and chilly days of January were often brightened and warmed at the middle school by the creative fires of self-expression. Upon returning from a restful winter break, students embarked on a three-week journey that introduced them to numerous poets, techniques, and vocabulary related to one of the most ancient of creative expressions.

The introduction of skills and techniques related to poetry (and other forms of expression) facilitates the adolescent’s need to express the exciting and often difficult inner transformations they are experiencing.

As they begin to construct their adult personalities, adolescents develop a deep sensibility to appreciating other human beings in a deeper and more significant way than they were capable of as children.

Poetry and art at this age become lenses through which they can learn to encourage and appreciate the beauty within themselves and in others.

"There is something about poetry beyond prose logic, there is mystery in it, not to be explained but admired." — Edward Young

More than a vehicle of self-expression, poetry is also a deep exploration of the power of language.

A poem’s words are its engine, and if they are chosen and arranged in just the right way, they can travel beyond the limits of the page--they can open up an entirely new world in the imagination of the reader.

"Poetry is language at its most distilled and most powerful." – Rita Dove

After writing and revising numerous forms of poetry, from thoughtful and reflective free-verse to light and humorous limericks, students compiled a portfolio of their favorites, complete with hand drawn and painted illustrations.

Some of these poems and illustrations will be featured in our annual literary magazine at the end of the year.

With ancient origins in oral tradition, poetry was not meant to simply exist on the page. It is a living, breathing art form that needs to be spoken and heard. This past Friday, poetry reading took the form of a student-planned “coffeehouse” event.

The afternoon was spent together as a community, taking turns at the podium, reading and performing poetry while sipping hot cocoa and snapping fingers in applause.

Following the poetry reading, some students chose to share other talents with their peers. Music, dance, magic, “card-throwing”, and a movie trailer for an upcoming IndieArts video production offered an exciting conclusion to the event.

In addition, our Service Committee, who planned the event, used it as an opportunity to serve the needs of others outside our community, as well.

Together, we collected numerous personal care items and money to offer to the fine people at the Hattie Larlham organization.

Our creative energy and exploration of language is now shifting to literature through a close reading and seminar on Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse. This novel will complement their current investigations into the many religious beliefs and traditions around the world.

I have never started a poem yet whose end I knew. Writing a poem is discovering." --Robert Frost

Important Dates & Reminders

Tuesday, January 30th: The middle school will be traveling to the Cleveland Museum of Art—Field Study attire and a brown bag lunch will be necessary

Thursday, February 1st: Model UN Open House- Please join us in Garden Lane after school at 3:45pm for a student presentation from the Model UN team. Any and all are welcome.

Saturday, February 3rd: North House Specialties will have a table at the HMS Harry Potter event from 1-3pm;

Also on Saturday February 3rd: Model UN practice session; Students should arrive at 11:15am for departure to Cleveland—Field Study attire required; Students may bring a lunch; Snacks will be provided

Thursday, February 8th: No Model UN meeting after school—Quiet Study is still be available for the team

Thursday, February 10th: North House Specialties will have a table at the Family Dance from 2-5pm--all proceeds will go to the Model UN team's upcoming trip to New York City

Monday, February 12th: Second trimester evaluations will be sent home with students

Thursday-Friday, February 15th & 16th: Student-led trimester conferences

Monday, February 19th: President’s Day—No School

Wednesday-Friday, February 21st-24th: The Model UN team will be in New York City

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