GMS Hosts a Unique Literacy Night

Students of Grenada Middle School gathered for an innovative and engaging event known as “Literacy and Lyrics,” an initiative designed to connect music and literacy. Spearheaded by Lindsey Leggett, Assistant Principal, the event aimed to make learning fun through the union of music and lyrics.

The evening featured a series of interactive classroom sessions, each dedicated to a particular music genre. The Rock and Roll Room saw students delving into the lyrics of Elvis Presley’s “Hound Dog,” with a surprise appearance by Will Blaylock performing as an Elvis impersonator. The Pop Room enticed students with the lyrics of Taylor Swift, exploring figurative language with the help of Visions volunteers role-playing as the pop icon.

In the Blues Classroom, students enjoyed live music from teacher C.J. Barnes while creating their own blues-themed lyrics using artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, the Country Music Room offered a narrative exercise inspired by Dolly Parton’s “Coat of Many Colors,” supported by musical contributions from local talents Jerry Williams, Josh Revelle, and others from the Green Street Band.

“The goal is to show students how lyrics and storytelling are intertwined,” Mrs. Leggett explained. “It’s an exciting approach to make literacy engaging and enjoyable for our students.”

The event was a collaborative effort, with contributions from the school board, administrative team, teachers, and community partners. “We are grateful to all who supported us, making this event a memorable one for our sixth, seventh, and eighth graders,” said Mrs. Leggett. The night not only promoted literacy but also demonstrated the power of community in educational endeavors.