Administrators and staff at Joel Barlow High School celebrated students from the class of 2025 who received high scores on their Junior Writing Portfolios.
Now in its 31st year, the Junior Writing Portfolio is an integral part of the Joel Barlow curriculum, and completion of the portfolio at an “Effective” level is required for graduation.
In the fall of junior year, Joel Barlow students compile five pieces of their writing in categories including, creative, formal analysis and personal narrative. In the spring, a team of Barlow teachers and other educational professionals assess the portfolios and assign scores on a scale from 1 to 6. “Commendable” indicates a score of 5 and a score of 6 is deemed “Exemplary.” Select portions of these portfolios will serve as models in the Writing Center’s annual publication “Standouts,” which will be distributed to all upcoming juniors in the fall.
Joel Barlow Writing Center director Tim Huminski welcomed students and offered words of praise for their commitment and hard work. Huminski then presented students with certificates of accomplishment in recognition of their outstanding writing. ER9 Superintendent Jason McKinnon and Joel Barlow’s principal Mario Almeida were also in attendance to congratulate students.
In addition to their well-deserved certificates, all students received pens and journals to continue their writing practices. The two “Exemplary” students were also given copies of “Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life” by Anne Lamott for further inspiration.
