Students speak at poetry slam

By Jennifer Grybowski
Turley Publications Staff Writer

STURBRIDGE -Tantasqua Regional Junior High School (TRJHS) students got a treat after lunch Thursday when they were invited to a school-sponsored poetry slam.
TRJHS Librarian Lisa Lamothe, who is in her second year as librarian at the school, said she is trying to make the library more student friendly. Lamothe was introduced to the idea of a coffeehouse at a library conference. Reading teacher Rusti Plants-Prouty, who now helps run the coffeehouses, agreed.
“I thought we could give it a try,” Lamothe said. “But we decided to do it during school, not after, so we can get more participation.”
So once a month, on days when the coffeehouse is held, the normal three lunches are condensed down to two, to give the students an opportunity to have some extra time to attend the coffeehouse.
“It’s their choice to attend,” Lamothe said. “It’s not required.”
Typically, more than 300 students have chosen to attend the events.
“It gives the kids exposure,” she said. “They are curious.”
“It’s something that’s been successful and the kids really enjoy it,” Lamothe said.
The students who want to perform have to sign up ahead of time, and have their content approved.
“There are no lack of volunteers,” Lamothe said.
Health students make and serve refreshments to attendees, paid for through a Community Service Learning (CSL) grant.
Eighth-grader Daniel Peck is the MC of the events. Normally, there are about 10 performances, but because poetry is quicker than music or skits, about 20 students were able to recite their poems at the most recent coffeehouse April 15, dubbed a Poetry Slam in honor of April being National Poetry Month.
Most of the poetry was original, written either on their own at home, or in class. Students read poems about bullying, interests, peace, love, nature and humor. Audience members were encouraged to snap like beatniks, instead of clap, when the students finished their poems.
There were also two musical performances, a rendition of The Beatles’ “Let It Be,” played on the piano and sang by David Turley, and a rendition of Justin Beiber’s “One Time,” played on the guitar by Assistant Principal Dana Labb and sung by Felicia Dufresne.
Teachers and administrators also get in on the performances. One previous coffeehouse was performed entirely by Labb, who sang original songs about bullying and acceptance. Math teacher Jim Reynolds is scheduled to perform at the next coffeehouse in late May.