Santa Barbara Unified students beamed with pride as they showed their writing skills on Tuesday as the winners of the District’s first Elementary Poetry Contest were announced.
The contest was for students in grades Transitional Kindergarten (TK) through 6. The theme was Identity, and submissions were sent in in both English and Spanish.
Over 220 submissions were judged on originality and creativity, adherence to the theme, use of poetic language, use of grade-appropriate language conventions, and the overall impact on the reader.
Awards were given based on grade level and handed out at Tuesday’s Board of Education meeting. A few students also read their poems to everyone in the Board Room, which was greeted with applause from everyone in the audience.
“Poetry can really help students connect with what they are learning in class while also inspiring them to read and write. It was truly remarkable to see what our students came up with,” said Dr. Hilda Maldonado, Superintendent.
To see the presentation and award winners, click here.