Green Hills School Hosts Poetry Tea

On  Wednesday morning last week I was invited to Green Hills Elementary School in Millbrae for  The Room 5 Poetry Tea.  Hosted by 4th and 5th grade students from Ms. Sawczuk's class,  this annual event featured readings of original poetry written by students. One by one they made their way to the microphone,  reading for an audience of parents and special guests.  The poems were as unique as each child.  I heard poems about rainbows and dogs, parents and siblings, sports and homework,  favorites and fears .  I was impressed with the quality of the poems, the poise of presentation, and the maturity of these young writers.

After the readings, we were served finger sandwiches, brownies and fruit prepared by the class, along with tea. Then came my favorite part.  The students got to mingle with the parents and talk about poetry.  This was not a typical school performance,  where parents just sit,  listen to a group sing "Yankee Doodle"  and take pictures for the scrapbook.  This was an interactive experience.  We got to spend an hour together sharing good food, conversation and poetry.  For me, there is nothing better than being part of such a creative vibe.  I am very thankful to Ms. Sawczuk, Green Hills principal,  Mrs. Ugrin, and of course the students.  They showed me that poetry is alive and well in their school.