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Writing Opportunities
Literary Magazine
An extracurricular activity at Mellon Middle School is the literary magazine. The magazine gives middle school students an opportunity to have their writing published. Produced in the spring, the literary magazine is a collection of stories, poems, and essays contributed by sixth, seventh and eighth grade students. Every student at the middle school is invited to submit writing. The entries may evolve from class assignments or may be self-motivated pieces. When they meet after school once a week, Tuesdays in Room 305 from 3:05 to 3:35, the selection staff selects pieces that will appeal to other students to be published. Student artists, who also meet on Tuesday at 3:05 to 3:35, add illustrations that help to convey the ideas of the selections. Student typists may word process the selected pieces. With the philosophy “for the students and by the students,” the literary magazine is a wonderful chance for students to express their ideas in published form and to work on a real world publication. Every student is invited to participate and should check in the writing lab for details.
NCTE Promising Young Writers
Students are nominated by the sixth, seventh, and eighth grade English and literature teachers to participate in the NCTE Promising Young Writers Program, which recognizes writing excellence in eighth grade students. Nominees complete a seventy-five minute writing sample. These samples are scored holistically by teachers on the basis of six criteria. Nominees also submit a piece of their best writing. The top nominees represent Mellon Middle School in the national competition. Mellon has produced many national winners. Only sixteen national winners are chosen from Pennsylvania each year.
Poets-in-Person/National Poetry Forum
A distinguished poet, from the International Poetry Forum, visits Mellon Middle School to facilitate Poets-in-Person Workshops. Approximately ten students from each team participate in this exciting and educational experience for students who enjoy writing poetry.
Visiting Authors
As a result of a generous donation by a Mellon parent, students enjoy a visiting author workshop every spring. In addition, the author needs n evening workshop during which students and their parents write together.
Writing Celebration
A festive event at Mellon Middle School is the Writing Celebration. Taking place in the spring, this annual event focuses upon recognizing the members of the selection staff, writers, artist, and typists for the literary magazine. Finalists for the Promising Young Writers Program and participants in the Poets-in-Person workshops are also recognized. In addition, students who have served the student body, faculty, and administration as Writing Lab Assistants receive awards. During the Writing Celebration, selections from the literary magazine are read; refreshments are served; students receive award certificates; and the first copies of the magazine are distributed. As well as the students who receive recognition, parents, grandparents, faculty, and staff are invited to enjoy the Writing Celebration.
Contests and Publications
The writing Clinician supported and announces various writing contests including, for example, the Voice of Democracy and the Patriot’s Pen, supported of the Veterans of the Foreign Wars. Information about contests, including the PTA sponsored Reflections and a list of publishing opportunities for young writers are available in the Lab.
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