April 22, 2025—The highly anticipated Cobb Schools Poetry Slam once again spotlighted student creativity. This year, the event was open to all Cobb elementary schools. Campbell High School, serving as the host school, welcomed participating 5th graders from across the District for a powerful showcase of student voice and artistic expression. 
Flocabulary Connects Music with Poetry
Flocabulary by Nearpod, an innovative platform that integrates music with student performances, provides a "Lyric Lab.” Students can craft original poems and pair them with music, adding an engaging, rhythmic element to their spoken-word pieces. Flocabulary and Nearpod representatives also served as the MCs, guiding the audience through an unforgettable night of poetic performances.
A District-Wide Stage for Young Poets
To maximize student participation and engagement, some schools hosted their own local Poetry Slams before selecting their top performers to compete at the district level. Following a format similar to a Spelling Bee, these school-level events provided more students with the opportunity to write and perform their own compositions, ultimately leading up to the district-wide showcase.
During the day of the main event, participating students took part in workshops, rehearsals, and art activities designed to enhance their creative and performance skills. The students’ evening performance served as a showcase of the young poet’s hard work and talent.
The audience, filled with proud family members, fellow students, and supportive educators, cheered on each young poet with laughter, smiles, hugs, and congratulatory high-fives, making the Poetry Slam a night to remember for everyone involved.
The Power of Poetry in the Classroom and Beyond 
The Poetry Slam is more than just a performance—it’s a testament to the power of arts integration in education. By blending literacy, music, and performance, students develop confidence in public speaking, critical thinking, and communication skills while fostering a love for language and self-expression.
Laura LaQuaglia, Cobb Schools' Supervisor of Visual Arts, emphasizes the significance of events like this: “The Poetry Slam showcases the highest-level outcomes of teaching and learning while highlighting the benefits of the arts in integrated instruction. Students are empowered to share their own understanding and experiences from the classroom to the community. This is what we want for all our Cobb students!”
Dr. Sara Womack, Supervisor of General and Choral Music, Dance, and Theatre, echoes this sentiment: “The opportunity to engage in arts integration through the CCSD Elementary School Poetry Slam provides students with a creative platform to express themselves while building confidence in literacy and public speaking. This event fosters a love for language and empowers young voices, helping them develop critical thinking and communication skills in an engaging and supportive environment.”
