- Academics
Stephanie Bloom, Head of Middle School
Dear Middle School Families,
Over the past month, our students have witnessed a myriad of national events at a time in their development where such milestones can leave an imprint on their hearts and minds and shape their beliefs as growing adolescents.
Each event brought varied responses, but our teachers have seized on these unique experiences, tying current events to curriculum and drawing out incredible lessons that only deepen student learning.
In classrooms, teachers provide space to think about hard choices. In our advisory work, we help students to consider what it means to be a bystander, an upstander and an advocate. Just this week, in Eighth Grade Reading Workshops, students prepared to read the landmark 1954 play 12 Angry Men, by Reginald Rose, (referred to by our students as 12 Angry Jurors) in which a jury must reach unanimous consensus in a murder trial. Over the course of studying this play, students will consider what it means to have their beliefs confirmed. They will ask themselves, when do you hold onto your beliefs? What makes you change your beliefs? And how do you consider evidence objectively?
Students were then asked to step into the role of a juror and consider a number of statements:
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It is easy to hold an opinion that is not the majority.
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Certain people are more likely to commit a crime than others.
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Everyone is innocent until proven guilty.
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The judicial system is always fair and impartial.