Ladson, SC

Charleston County School District

Vanessa Smith, Family Service Advocate

vanessa_smith@charleston.k12.sc.us

The Poetry Café

Ladson’s Poetry Café aimed to help students express themselves and increase their understanding of others. The ATP and school leaders also invited parents and community partners, including the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, to participate. At Ladson, students and families speak three languages—English, Spanish, and Portuguese. These languages were part of the Poetry Café. The audience received English translations of the poems presented in other languages, and Spanish and Portuguese translations of poems presented in English.

At the Café, a teacher discussed the importance of poetry with the audience. Then, students, parents, and members of the community recited their poems. There was time for remarks, reactions, and refreshments. Parents reported that Poetry Café was “an awesome and compassionate event” that generated deep emotions. For example, one student read a poem about his father who had taken care of him since he was a newborn. His dad wept as he listened. In another segment, three sisters read a poem about their dad who was the musician at the Poetry Café. Their dad, surprised, stopped playing and tears came in appreciation for his children’s tribute. At Ladson, the poems helped all attendees realize that we are not so different from each other.

About 20 students presented their poems, along with some adult poets. Many teachers also attended. The principal found the presentations touching and memorable. One police officer in the community presented a poem, noting that this “ was a way for me to express what many people didn’t know about me. . . . it was more than I expected.” Parents suggested extending The Poetry Cafe to help all students, grades K-5, study, write, and recite poetry. A student reflected, “ . . I was so happy that my mom and dad were there to hear me say my poem!”

Read more about The Poetry Café in Promising Partnership Practices 2022.