Not Afraid to Be Heard: Poetry Comes to Life at Cypress Hills Ascend Middle School

At Ascend middle schools, poetry is not just something students read. It is something they write, perform, and experience.

At Cypress Hills Ascend Middle School (CHAMS), that learning comes to life through the Poetry Slam: N.A.H. — Not Afraid to Be Heard event, where students took to the stage to perform their original work in front of peers, judges, and the school community.

From Classroom to Stage

Poetry is an important part of the Ascend literacy experience, beginning in lower school and continuing through middle school. In Grade 5, students begin exploring creative expression through writing, building the foundation for sharing their ideas and perspectives with others.

Across grades 6 through 8, students read and analyze a wide range of texts, reflect on identity and community, and learn how to express their thinking clearly and confidently. Poetry becomes one of the ways students bring those ideas to life.

A Platform for Student Voice

The CHAMS Poetry Slam was designed to do exactly that. During the competition:

• Students performed original poems in front of judges

• Top performers advanced through multiple rounds

• Finalists presented memorized pieces that showcase both content and delivery

More Than a Performance

What makes this event special is not just the competition. It is the courage it takes to stand up, share your voice, and connect with an audience.

Through poetry, students are developing skills that extend far beyond English class. They are learning to communicate clearly, think deeply, and express who they are with confidence.

At Ascend, we believe every student has something important to say. The CHAMS Poetry Slam is one way we ensure they are heard.