POetry Contest

April is National Poetry Month. In celebration of this, and in an effort to recognize the great talent that resides within our district, Oregon City School District will be hosting a poetry contest. This is open to any and all stakeholders, students, staff, parents, and community members within the Oregon City School District. There will be a grand overall prize, and awards for different levels (elementary school, middle school, high school, staff member, and community member). All entries must be submitted by 5 pm on April 19, 2024.

Submission Guidelines

  1. Each entry may submit up to 3 poems in one Word / Google Doc / PDF Document

  2. Poems may be in any language (we will work with you to translate the poem(s) into English should you be chosen as a finalist).

  3. Please keep in mind the content and the audience of your poems. Poem subject matter must be family friendly and school appropriate.

  4. Poems may be on any subject. An additional entry may be made in the specially themed category.

Special Category!

This year our school district will turn 150 years old in November. We are inviting students, staff, alumni, parents, and community members to submit original poems that reflect on the rich history of our school district. For entries to be considered in this category, poems must be written on one of the following themes:

  1. "Community Spirit": Reflect on what makes Oregon City special.

  2. “Lifelong Learners”: Share memories, experiences, or reflections on the various schools and educational institutions that have been part of Oregon City School District 62 throughout its history.

  3. “Early Schoolhouses”: Reflect on the beginnings of education in Oregon City and how it has changed over time from building to building. Celebrate the architectural and historical significance of iconic school buildings within our district, such as the historic Barclay School or Jennings Lodge Elementary.

  4. “Notable Alumni”: Pay tribute to notable alumni of Oregon City schools who have gone on to make significant contributions in various fields, such as arts, sciences, politics, or athletics

  5. “Dedicated Educators”: Honor the committed teachers, administrators, and support staff who have shaped the lives of students and contributed to the district's success over the past 150 years.

  6. “Legacy and Future”: Reflect on the district's 150-year legacy and express hopes, dreams, and aspirations for the future of education in Oregon City School District 62.

To submit your work for this category, simply fill out the form in the buttons above and select “Yes” when asked if your submission is for the Special Category. This category follows the above submission guidelines.

How to Submit your Poems.

Contestants may submit their poems using the form below.

Need Help Getting Started?

Here are a few ideas to get the creativity flowing!

  1. The Beauty of Oregon": Celebrate the natural wonders, landscapes, and unique features of Oregon City and the surrounding areas.

  2. "Overcoming Challenges": Share personal experiences or stories of resilience, perseverance, and growth.

  3. "Dreams and Aspirations": Express hopes, dreams, and goals for the future of Oregon City and its residents.

  4. "Environmental Stewardship": Emphasize the importance of protecting Oregon City's natural resources and promoting sustainable practices.

  5. "Heroes Among Us": Honor the everyday heroes in our schools and community who make a positive impact on the lives of others.

  6. "Embracing Change": Reflect on how our community adapts to change, fosters innovation, and creates new opportunities for all.

Prizes!
2024 Prizes coming soon!

below are listed the 2023 prizes

  • Elementary School Grades (K-5)

    Each school will have a top winner in this grade range. This winner will receive the following:

    How to Write Poems by Joseph Coelho

    A perfect bound notebook

    A nice set of pens

  • Middle School Grades (6-8)

    Each school will have a top winner in this grade range. This winner will receive the following:

    I'm Just No Good at Rhyming: and Other Nonsense for Mischievous Kids and Immature Grown-Ups by Chris Harris

    A perfect bound notebook

    A nice set of pens

  • High school Grades (9-12)

    Each school will have a top winner in this grade range. This winner will receive the following:

    A Poetry Handbook by Mary Oliver

    A perfect bound notebook

    A nice set of pens

  • OCSD Staff Member

    The Practicing Poet by Diane Lockward

    A perfect bound notebook

    A nice set of pens

  • OCSD Community Member

    The Practicing Poet by Diane Lockward

    A perfect bound notebook

    A nice set of pens

Grand Prize:

We will have two grand prize winners. The prizes will be based on their category.

2024 prizes coming soon! Below are listed the 2023 prizes.

Elementary & Middle (Grades K-8)

  • Grade Level Prize listed above

  • One Year Subscription to BookRoo

  • Kindle Paperwhite Kids eReader (with one year subscription to Amazon Kids+)

High School (Grades 9-12), Staff, & Community Member

  • Grade Level Prize listed above

  • One Year Subscription to Book of the Month

  • One Year Subscription to Poetry Foundations Magazine

  • The Making of a Poem: A Norton Anthology of Poetic Forms by Eavan Boland and Mark Strand

  • The Cambridge Guide to Reading Poetry by Andrew Hodgson

​Oregon City School District has partnered with the Oregon City Schools Foundation who has generously provided these prizes. We are so grateful for their contributions and for helping inspire literacy in our students and our community