Our Piece of Mind, Thomas Jefferson Middle School's literary magazine, gives students an opportunity to have their writing published. It is a collection of stories, poems, and essays contributed by sixth, seventh, and eighth-grade students. Every student at the middle school is invited to submit writing or to become an illustrator, typist, or member of the selection staff. The entries may evolve from class assignments or may be self-motivated pieces. At weekly selection staff meetings, submitted pieces are read, reviewed, and discussed without revealing the author's identity. The students then vote for excellent pieces deemed appropriate for publication in Our Piece of Mind. Student typists creatively type and design the selections. Finally, skilled student artists illustrate the pieces.

 

Our Piece of Mind is published each year in early June and is free to any student who requests a copy. Students involved in the publication are invited to a Writing Celebration at the end of the year to celebrate their hard work and to receive the first copies of the magazine.