Students get creative in new AHS writing class

Students in a new creative writing class at Aiken High are producing a literary magazine with a little help from their friends.

While the students of Francesca Pataro and Zeke Miller are providing content, the teachers also asked educators in history, science and math to promote creative writing among their own students.

"We asked for any kind of writing or writing created through lesson plans that students are doing in math, science and history classes," Pataro said. "We consulted with department heads to make sure we were on track. Our students mentored the others, so this is truly a schoolwide approach."

The magazine has received all forms of art, photography and writing. USC Aiken English professor Dr. Andrew Geyer also visited the creative writing class.

"He did a guest residency with one of the books he has written," Pataro said. "It's great to have that USCA connection."

Science teacher Edna Mills noted that Pataro and Miller could only schedule the creative writing class by agreeing to teach an extra period.

"These are two really dedicated people," Mills said. "I've gotten involved because my some of my marine science students have been doing some writing on our plankton project. This provides them another way to express themselves, and I'm going to continue to look at such opportunities in the future."

The creative writing class and the magazine, said Miller, are ways to support High Schools That Work - a school improvement initiative that all seven Aiken County high schools are involved in.

"We've had good response from the teachers," Miller said. "Some have been surprised by their students' writing and see some hidden potential there. Our class has been a lot of fun. It's a nice, laid-back atmosphere but a lot of work, too."

The project could use some financial assistance to help with printing, and Pataro would welcome support from individuals and the business community.

She and Miller would like to have enough copies to go into classrooms for students to use as a learning tool.

E-mail Pataro at fpataro@aiken.k12.sc.us.

Contact Rob Novit at rnovit@aikenstandard.com.