teaches Advanced Placement Language and Composition at East Boston High School.
Kathleen Aborn, Barry Lawton, Audrey Schindler McDonald
Collaboration with East Boston High
Technology Teacher, Kathleen Aborn &
Social Studies Teacher, Barry Lawton;
Boston Police Department; Boston City Council; Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA); Office of State Senator Dianne Wilkerson, Aide Matuya Brand; MBTA; Madison Park High; O’Bryant School of Mathematics and Science; Roxbury Community College; Reggie Lewis Center
East Boston High students visit City Council Chambers
| Classroom Activities | |
• |
Research how laws are made |
| • | Discuss possible initiatives |
| • | Agree to work on a Bill providing Pedestrian Crossover at Roxbury Crossing (site of multiple schools & colleges, city institutions, sports center & residences) |
| • | Contact State Senator’s office & invite Aide to classroom |
| • | Form groups responsible for Press Release, Pitch Letter, Op-Ed, Letter to Editor, or Persuasive Essay |
| • | Draft petition for signature solicitations |
| • | Contact editors of local newspapers |
| • | Organize display for School Showcase |
| Community Activities | |
• |
Visit site to observe traffic patterns |
| • | Host State Senator’s Aide & discuss steps, including writing campaign |
| • | Obtain data from city agencies & schools |
| • | Gather signatures at strategic sites |
| • | Explain campaign to reporters |
| • | Exhibit information at School Showcase |
| • | Meet with City Council President, City Transportation Commissioner & BRA Representative |
| • | Distribute articles from Boston Globe, The Boston People’s Voice & Roxbury Citizen to legislators & community leaders |
| • | Remain in contact with State Senator responsible for filing Bill |
This project introduced students to the legislative process and allowed them to voice their opinions on an issue affecting people in their community. . . . We chose to work on a crossover/pedestrian walkway at a dangerous intersection. . . . As the project progressed, students interacted with other students in other classes and schools and with community members. They became more and more excited at the possibility of making a difference. The real change came when we met with the Boston Globe reporter, and when we started to prepare for our showcase. Students recognized that they were accountable for some important aspects of the project, and that it was their civic duty and responsibility to accurately relay this information. I’m proud of our work, and I believe that our students are as well.
Michelle: The project was real. We went to Roxbury Crossing and got people to sign our petition. Many said that a bridge was long over due. Madison Park & O’Bryant students were all for it. The intersection is not safe to cross even with a red light. I am glad that I was part of this community project.
Kevin: If we become successful and get a crossover, it shows that we made an impact. When we first started, I was uninterested because sometimes in our community, it’s hard to get your voice heard. Now I have more respect and understanding for people who want your signature and ask you to sign a petition. The signatures from the community were important in this project. We are not the only ones who think that there is a problem.
