A weeklong celebration of reading and writing returns to McHenry Community High School with more interactive activities with prizes, an author presentation, a panel of singer-songwriters, and – of course – the annual Poetry Slam.
Writers Week takes place all week, starting Monday, Feb. 6, with a Celebration of Words at Upper Campus and a Profess an Imperfection activity at both Upper and Freshman campuses. The annual celebration is timed around the annual Poetry Slam for sophomore students.
This year’s Writers Week continues with daily games and activities, including blackout poetry, word games and more. Also, at Upper Campus, Erika Sánchez, author of “I’m Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter,” meets with students Tuesday and the annual sophomore Poetry Slam takes the stage on Thursday.
New this year will be a session at Upper Campus focusing on singer-songwriters and featuring MCHS alum Mackenzie O’Brien and the 2022 Battle of the Band winners.
Also new are expanded interactive activities in the cafeteria during lunch periods at Upper Campus and in the theater at Freshman Campus during AIM periods, and prizes such as T-shirts, pens and more. While activities are focused at Upper Campus, Freshman Campus students will be able to get in on the action.
“We’re bringing things into the commons every day to get more students involved,” said Gina Nomikoudis, chair of MCHS English division.
On Monday, Upper Campus will host a Celebration of Words inviting students and staff to share their writing. Also, during lunch periods, all students will be invited to participate in an activity tied to the week’s theme of “Expectations.” Students can finish the sentence “I’m not your perfect _____.”
Author Erika Sánchez, who grew up in Chicago, will be answering questions from students during her Upper Campus visit on Tuesday. All students will have an opportunity to attend one of the sessions.
During lunch periods on Wednesday, students will be able to create their own poetry with a process of crossing out text. Poetry is created with the words that remain.
On Thursday, sophomore students will participate in the annual Poetry Slam by performing their poetry for classmates. Also Thursday, there will be a special session with performances from singer-songwriters, including MCHS alum Mackenzie O’Brien.
On Friday, there will be a Celebration of Words event at both campuses. Nomikoudis said it is nice to see people share their stories or listen to others.
“I hope Writers Week provides us all opportunities to gain perspective about the world and those around us,” Nomikoudis said.
