The Outsiders continues to be a fan favorite and, let alone, a classic throughout 8th grade. The book's tremendous depiction of relatable teenage characters and themes of friendship, family, and social divides allows it to connect with readers. While these are all excellent characteristics for a good read, the leading question is: Is The Outsiders too outdated for middle schoolers today? 

An inside look from Orange Team’s 8th-grade ELA teacher, Ms. Seldon, is, “The Outsiders is a timeless story that engages students from different backgrounds, but if there is a story that is more modern with the same themes, I would teach it.” This perspective shows us that the books that are chosen for middle schoolers to learn from are chosen for their themes, not their relevance to today's society. Red teams ELA teacher provides, “Despite the fact that the book takes place in the 60s, the people in the book are still relevant and meaningful to kids today. Everything students read doesn't have to be contemporary; it's good to read about other people in different time periods. Eighth grader, Aaliyah Lefevre, “I think it should be taught because it is a tradition because it taught for so many years. I think it’s really important because a lot of the teenagers could be going go through the same issues as the characters.” Lefevre sheds light on the value of teaching a story that can transcend time. Another eighth grader, Tianna Gunn says, “Its peak because it’s like when you are younger everyone says when you get to 8th grade it is an amazing story. It is something the students look forward to because they can enjoy it.” Gunn points out the excitement that happens when students finally get to read the book that teachers mentioned when they were in 6th and 7th grade. 

If relevance to today's society is such a concern, some books that could replace The Outsiders while still relaying the same message to today's middle schoolers are: Ghost, All-American Boys, The Hate U Give, Wonder, and Front Desk. These books are all set in modern times, while still expressing a message of belonging, identities, social divides, and growing up. 

To wrap it up, the classic book The Outsiders is an exceptional choice for today's middle schoolers to read, no matter its modern-day irrelevance, but there are many more superb book choices out there.

AI in the Classroom: Friend or Foe?

By: Luke St. Jean

In this day and age, AI seems to be everywhere, and now more than ever, it is being used in classrooms across the country. According to Newsroom.collegeboard.org, 79%-84% of students use AI for schoolwork to brainstorm ideas, edit or revise essays, and conduct research or find sources. ChatGPT appears to be students' favorite GenAI tool, with 69% of students reporting that they have used ChatGPT to help with school assignments or homework. Still, like with any tool, many people are concerned about AI; in fact, a survey conducted shows that 50% of Americans are more concerned than excited about AI’s increased usage, particularly regarding its impact on human creativity and connection. Many of us in this school can probably say that they have used or seen someone use AI, so let's hear from some people in our own school. 

Eighth grade teacher Ms. Seldon says, “I believe that students should only use AI for essay titles and to help understand concepts when studying independently.” Eighth grade teacher Mr. Rusaw says, “Appropriate uses of AI are: to help with grammar, and to help you with revisions. Also, to help you plan out and organize assignments. Using AI to design lessons is fine as long as you review it, and it is still up to the same standards the school and district need. I personally use AI daily, and one of the best things is to do deep dives on subjects you are interested in; that being said, you have to have the skills to know if the sources it uses are good or bad.” 8th grader Mckenah Gluck says, “I think it is an unnecessary tool. I think people use it because they are lazy and want an easy way out of doing work.” 8th grader Thomas Rivers says,” It is not a good tool to use because it gives the answers for you and you don't learn anything or use your brain.” ChatGPT, the AI tool that most people use, says, “AI shouldn’t be treated like a calculator, a ban all, or a free-for-all. The question isn’t “Should students use AI?”- it’s “How do we teach students to use it well?” AI is a tool that can be helpful, and it has lots of potential, but when misused, AI can be more detrimental to people's learning than helpful.