A Letter To Teachers and Homeschool Parents from Roger Smith, Executive Director, PCCA

PCCA has administered Poetry Out Loud (POL) in Perry, Juniata, Mifflin, Snyder, Union, and Northumberland Counties since 2006. I believe that Poetry Out Loud can be invaluable to high school enrollees and homeschooled 9th-12th graders.

Poetry Out Loud is a national recitation contest for high school students made possible by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation. Modeled much like the National Spelling Bee, competition starts locally in small groups (typically at the classroom, then school-wide level, but in the case of homeschoolers, an ad hoc group can readily be formed) with winners moving to regional, state, and national venues. In POL, students study, memorize, and perform some of the most influential and timeless poems of the English language, thus immersing themselves in powerful language and provocative ideas. We are proud that our 2007 regional winner, Olivia Meldrum of Juniata County, went on to become the state champion and compete in Washington, DC.

I urge you to make this amazing experience possible for the students in your care. I have observed Poetry Out Loud in action, and I know the effect it can have on young people. It builds confidence, helps students master public speaking skills, and also encourages them to learn about their literary heritage.

POL has been designed to fit into busy schedules at very little cost. The program can take place over the span of two or three weeks, according to interest and agenda. It does not require large chunks of time, but it would likely require coordination with other parents, teachers, or administrators.  Important dates for 2010 are as follows:

• Wednesday, January 13 – registration deadline, [create link to attached registration form], sent to me at the Perry County Council of the Arts .
• Wednesday, January 27 – local competition held by this date; winner and runner-up identified
• Friday, January 29 – winner/runner-up information in to Roger Smith.  Include student name, contact information, organization name, photograph in jpeg format, and the 3 chosen poems.
• Rescheduled for Wednesday, February 12 at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 10 at 2pm - Regional Competition, Landis House, 67 North Fourth St. Newport, PA.
• Wednesday, February 17 – snow date for regional competition
• Monday, March 15 – state competition, Governor’s Mansion, Harrisburg, PA

With proper planning and coordination, POL can become a significant event in your community and a worthy tradition for years to come.  I encourage you to visit the official POL website - http://www.poetryoutloud.org/ This site includes a Teacher’s Guide, lesson plans and other planning materials, timelines, and a lot of great poems.

Please contact me if you would like to know more about POL.  I have numerous written resources, including a POL Anthology and the same Teacher’s Guide that is on the web. Feel free to write via email or give me a call:  717.567.7023.

Sincerely,