Fifth through eighth grade students from Escalante Elementary, Escalante High, and Boulder Elementary school gathered at EHS to participate in a student literacy conference, Lit Jam, on Thursday, March 31. The writing event began with an address by guest speaker, Johan Twiss. Johan is the author of nine novels, including the I Am Sleepless series. He spoke with the students about elements of stories and told a story using students from the audience and magic tricks.
During the writing conference students we able to participate in four of eight classes offered. Classes were taught by local illustrators, authors, and professionals on a wide range of literacy topics including writing for therapy, taking criticism of your writing, and using a writer’s notebook. Two of the classes were taught by the guest speaker and author Johan Twiss and his wife Adrienne, who is an illustrator. Students were engaged in each class and chatted excitedly in the halls during class rotations.
Prior to the event, students submitted original writing works to a panel of judges. Student works included poetry, historical fiction, personal narratives, persuasive essays, and explanatory essays. About fifty students submitted work and participated in the event. Awards of Excellence were given to exceptional pieces. In a recognition ceremony, Garfield Superintendent John Dodds read selections of student work. The poems delighted audience members, the Revolutionary War soldier’s letters to home touched hearts, and the essay on excrement was not only an innovative solution to energy needs, but also a once in a lifetime opportunity to hear the district leader say the phrase “cow poop” publicly. He is a good sport.
The community was then invited to participate in an author Meet-and-Greet after school hours. Authors Johan Twiss, Evelyn Corning, Karen Munson, and Robbin Peterson chatted with visitors while the school book fair and bake sale offered treats for the mind and body.
Lit Jam was organized by a committee and supported by the PTA. “This year, the PTA sought to assist the schools with literacy goals and when Robbin Peterson, Lit Jam’s mastermind and organizer, came to us with this idea, it was perfect,” said PTA President Naketa Martel. “I think everyone was pleased with how well the event went. The students participated actively and were excited. It was a lot of fun! There were definitely hiccups along the way, but involved parties were flexible, kind, and totally invested in making this work for the students! Thank you to the many hands that made Lit Jam a success.” Hopefully Lit Jam will become a regular event for Escalante and Boulder students.
– The Byway
Feature image caption: Johan Twiss holds out his book, Four Years Trapped in My Mind Palace, which is a novel he wrote about a jazz musician suffering from locked-in syndrome. Twiss was the keynote speaker at Escalante’s Lit Jam conference on March 31, with about 50 students in attendance.