Bellport Middle School seventh grade students are not only talking about changes they would like to see in their community, but are, instead, leading the change. During the school’s first Civics Day, held in the library on June 1and June 3, teams of students virtually showcased the work they are doing to make a positive impact on the school and the community. Various issues included bullying, a need for recess, depression, the school’s cellphone policy, reckless dirt bikes and quads, youth crime, speeding, student voices in school decision-making, and homophobia and racism.

District Director of Humanities Jaclyn O’Hagan told the students that Civics Day is an historic one in that the students are poised to make effective change. “We cannot be more inspired by you and the work you are presenting today. Thanks for making this a better place.”

Social studies teacher Megan Bevan explained that for the past two years, the middle school’s social studies department has developed a project-based learning experience for seventh graders in which they are required to identify problems in the community or at school, research the causes and provide solutions to district administrators and local officials. Through preparation for Civics Day and in partnership with Generation Citizen’s action-civics curriculum, seventh graders have learned to effect policy change by engaging in local government and leaders to solve community issues, critical thinking skills they will need throughout their lives.

Utilizing the district’s technology, each student team presented the issue researched, the root causes of the problem at hand, results of surveys rendered to peers, policies in place that affect each issue, and a plan for action. Local officials who joined the virtual sessions were Bellport Mayor Ray Fell and New York State Senator Alexis Weik, as well as South Country Central Office administrators and Board of Education trustees.

Bellport Middle School Principal Dr. Jamal Colson called the students’ research very powerful. He said being seventh graders allows the students to attend another year at the middle school where they will have further opportunity to find or apply solutions to the issues they presented. “You have tackled different issues that no one necessarily wants to talk about,” Dr. Colson said. “More importantly, you have taken ownership [of these issues] and have researched how we can improve our building and the community.”

Bellport Middle School eighth grade English Language Arts students have learned to take a position on a topic and voice their opinions. During a Teachers College Writer’s Workshop unit on position papers, the students focused on the question whether schools should continue to offer virtual learning next school year or resume in-person classes.

To formulate a cohesive opinion on this relevant topic, the students researched and gathered information from texts and videos and wrote their formed opinions in a position paper. Upon completion of their position papers, they utilized the information to write a letter to New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo, voicing their views on the topic.

In writing the position paper and letter, the students had to consider the audience, language and text-based evidence and develop a persuasive tone to represent their position as well as demonstrate their experience and expertise on the topic. In-person learners mailed their printed letters to the state capitol and remote learners completed an online form to electronically send their letters to the governor.

“The purpose of this project was for students to see the value in their positions and to respect the opinions of others,” explained teacher Brianne Torre. “It also encouraged activism and the reinforcement of their voices.”