Technology in the Classroom Inspires Poetry at Alpha: Blanca Alvarado Middle School During National Poetry Month

By Guest Blogger Riley, assisted by Martha Sessums

Hi, I’m Riley. I hang out with John Glover, Founding Principal of Alpha: Blanca Alvarado

Middle School. Sometimes I hang with Holly Smith, the school’s Operations Manager too, plus anyone else who is in the office during spring break and weekends.

I’ve been asked to announce the inaugural ACE/Alpha Poetry Contest just for Alpha students. This is so cool, because April is National Poetry Month. Well, real cool is dog treats, but poetry can be awesome too.

The topic is “Technology in the Classroom.” You can write anything you want about using computers, tablets, educational programs, smart boards, the network or other ways technology helps you learn. Learning is fun, but it’s also hard work. Tell us about your experience in your own words in a poem format.

Okay. Here’s the good stuff. You can win a prize! First place receives a $50 iTunes gift card. Second place receives a $30 iTunes gift card. Third place receives a $25 iTunes gift card. For you Alphas out there, that’s better than doggie snacks.

Alpha staff will judge your poems. That’s like your teachers and even Mr. Glover. And they will be posted on the ACE Spectrum blog. Okay, not quite like being printed in the Mercury News, but it’s a start. Could go viral.

So start composing your poems now. They are due April 22. Winners will be announced after that.

And remember, April 18 is Poem in Your Pocket Day. The day it’s cool to read a poem to your friends.

And if you see me on that day, I would appreciate a dog treat in your pocket. That you give to me. Why don’t they have National Give a Dog a Treat From Your Pocket Day?

Have fun, and good luck!