We request approval of contract with the  David A. Straz, Jr. Performing Arts Center to host the 2012 District High School Poetry Jam Competition on January 27, 2012.

The poetry jam is a districtwide poetry writing and performing program for students in grades 9 to 12.  The first District High School Poetry Jam Competition was held in April 2005, at Blake High School with students from 12 high schools participating. Participation has increased since its inception with students from 22 high schools competing last year.

Students initially attend a school-level poetry jam where a local poet performs Spoken Word Poetry and then instructs students on the writing and performing of poetry.  Upon completing their poems, the students meet as a group and perform their poetry. Teachers and members of the community, including public librarians, use a districtwide standard rubric to judge each poem.  The poem of the student judged to be the best represents his or her school at the District High School Poetry Jam Competition.  A panel of local poets and teachers judge the poems, select, and award individual trophies to first, second, and third place winners.  The school of the first place winner receives the Poetry Jam Cup, a traveling trophy housed by the school for one year.  The District Poetry Jam provides students with an opportunity to perform for friends and family as well as to compete against students throughout the district.

Several vendors have donated $528 to cover the cost of renting the TECO Theater at the David A. Straz, Jr. Performing Arts Center.  The funds will be deposited and disbursed from Project 4218.

The number of schools participating in the 2012 District High School Poetry Jam will be reported to the Board as part of next year's contract approval request.