During the last trimester of eighth grade English with teacher Sunshine O’Donnell, students explore an issue that concerns them and learn how the power of language can help to promote social justice. Once a student selects an issue that they want to address, they conduct research into the issue and learn how to create a powerful and persuasive text. They then select a way to showcase their writing through either performance or publication.

This year, eighth graders conveyed their points of view in documentaries, speeches, essays, poetry series and more. You can view every 8th grade assignment on this page created by Sunshine for AFS Everywhere, along with the group brainstorm of ideas for possible issues to explore. Adelia’s Documentary on Institutionalized Racism is shown above and a selection of other creative projects are highlighted here:

Alexis’ Speech: Child Abuse
Kaydin’s Poetry Series: Police Brutality
Charlie’s Documentary: Plastic Water Bottles
Rainey’s Website: Jail-time for Sexual Offenders