McKinley students showcase their writing during ‘Poetry in the Park’
After-school Program Culminates in Day of Art and Poetry in Narrows Botanical Garden
On Sunday, June 11, sixth, seventh and eighth grade William McKinley I.S. 259 students, in collaboration with the Narrows Botanical Garden (NBG) in Bay Ridge, presented “Poetry in the Park,” a daylong showcase of the students’ art and literary works.
During the school year, McKinley students had the opportunity to participate in an after-school program that focused on art and poetry. Under the direction of art teacher Roma Karas and language arts teacher Jessica Amato, students attended the program on Fridays. Each week, the students would create original artwork inspired by various artists and time periods and then write original poetry connected with their artwork.
The goal of the program was to incorporate literacy through the arts. Poetry in the Park allowed the students the opportunity to present their artwork and to recite their poetry in front of family members, teachers and community leaders.