After reading the classic coming-of-age novel,To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, our 8th grade students engaged in purposeful debate about whether Lee's book should continue to be taught in classrooms. In Ms. Steele's class, students were divided into two teams and worked tirelessly to prepare their leading arguments and rebuttal.

While some students argued that the book should not be taught in schools because the text is very intense and could cause students to be uncomfortable, others debated that the book should be taught because it teaches important life lessons about being a leader and standing up for what you know is right. Most importantly, the students were able to use evidence from the book and other sources to support their arguments. Some even dressed in suits to really get into character! They debated in front of faculty and staff judges including Head of School, Gary Weisserman, 8th grade teacher, Dr. Jeff Ellison and special guest judges throughout the school. We are immensely proud of our students for thinking deeply about the important issues presented in the book and for learning to use their voices to impact change.