"Poems With A Purpose"

"Poems With A Purpose" began as a summer education program using poetry to engage New Foundations' children in a creative learning experience. The program had three goals. In addition to learning about poetry in general, the poems selected for study would help children understand and celebrate their cultural identities. Children would learn the parts of speech of the English language and apply them be creating their own poems; and through this experience would increase their self-esteem.

	The Most Beautiful Thing of All Jennetta, age 11
	My Life Donald, age 12
	What I Like About Me Cody, age 8
	Who Am I Carrie, age 11
	Sweet Sixteen Ralia, age 16
	What Do You See When You Look At Me Ghishae, age 10
	When I Grow Up Shaquille, age 9
	What I Like About Me Courtney, age 8
	Things That Are Important To Me Donveyea, age 9
	A Poem About Me: Kendraea Kendraea, age 14
	A Brown Child LaNise, age 11
	Me Nikko, age 11
	My Poem Juel, age 14

Our Crestview children are loved and cared for. They are the pride of our community, and of course each one is unique in his or her very own way. When you read this poetry I hope you will hear the passion for life that flows through the children's poems. When I look at the children in our Crestview Community I see bright, intelligent, loving, caring individuals who have great tenacity and resiliency. I absolutely believe in our children, and feel so fortunate to work with each one and with their parents.

Deb Smith, Children's Services Coordinator