District News

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) -- Fifth graders at Brookside Elementary recently participated in a dynamic writing workshop led by The Diatribe, a Grand Rapids-based nonprofit that uses poetry and performance to empower young people. Every fifth grade scholar took part in the experience, engaging in creative expression through thoughtful, guided activities.

Teaching artists Derek and Caleb introduced scholars to the art of spoken word poetry, sharing powerful pieces of their own to model storytelling and performance. Javier Cervantes, the organization’s Executive Director, also attended, underscoring the importance of the experience.

The workshop was coordinated by Anna Johnson, Chief Community Builder at Brookside, who secured grant funding to make this enriching opportunity possible for all fifth graders. During the session, each student received a notebook and worked through writing prompts designed to spark imagination and reflection.

Scholars were invited to share their own writing, including completing the line “I believe that…” Their responses ranged from humorous to deeply thoughtful.

One student wrote, “I believe that corn flakes don’t taste like corn.” Another shared a call to action: “I believe that we, as humans, could be better.” Others offered heartfelt reflections, including, “I believe that my mom has an angel inside of her.”

By the end of the workshop, students were turning simple prompts into powerful expressions of who they are and what they believe.