News
Seventh Grade Spotlight on Peace and Student Voice
By 7th grade English Teacher Kate Tabor
Walk through the halls and you will notice messages of peace and understanding hanging at eye level. These are not from one person or one perspective; these are the messages and the missions of the people and organizations that have won the Nobel Peace Prize. They are the groups and individuals who have “done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses.”
For the last seven years, the 7th grade has piqued the interest of the community in advance of Peace and Publishing Day, when they illuminate the lives and achievements of the men and women who have worked toward world peace, as well as have a chance in the spotlight to share their own writing.
History and Social Studies Co-Chair Anthony Shaker has helped students understand the history of the prize and its evolution since 1901. Each student chose a laureate to research and prepared a “product,” a way for the rest of the grade to see the accomplishments of this broad array of Nobel winners. The 7th graders presented their final products on Thursday, May 31 at the Nobel Peace Prize Museum.
When they weren’t docents in the museum, the 7th grade provided both audience and performers with readings of their poetry and selections from the recently published anthology Clark Street Stories. The school has published 13 volumes of 7th grade writing, and this year’s volume brings to life a variety of protagonists in situations from everyday to aspirational. Stories went through multiple drafts and revisions, and though they are all linked through characters and location, the stories and writing voices are as individual as they are fascinating.
Click here to see photos from Peace and Publishing Day.
Francis W. Parker School educates students to think and act with empathy, courage and clarity as responsible citizens and leaders in a diverse democratic society and global community.