Perspective
Racism in Soccer
The popularity of soccer worldwide overshadows the racist harassment some players have faced. Julian A., Cruz J., and Rhodes S. shed light on the situation
Flag Football: The Newest Olympic Sport
In 2028, the Olympics will gain a new sport - flag football. Oliver, Jack, and Harry tackle this new development in sports
Are Boeing Planes Safe?
Dylan R. and Evan K. offer their perspectives on whether Boeing planes are still safe in the light of recent issues.
Stop Animal Testing
Alice H. shares her informed opinion on why animal testing should be stopped - from the environmental impact to the welfare of the animals themselves
Breaking Rules, Running Marathons
Isabelle R. tells the story of Bobbi Gibb, who broke the rules to become the first woman to run a marathon
Swift's Effect on the Music Industry
Kate and Janie dissect what has made pop star Taylor Swift influential beyond her music and performance success
Workplace Discrimination
Students are thinking about their futures, and hoping they don't face some of the workplace discrimination seen in their world today.
Fashion Styles for Anyone
Tati encourages everyone to think about a under-discussed aspect of identity: fashion
Transgender Leagues are Exclusionary
In this piece, not only does writer Alex O. explore the recent issue of transgender athletes struggling to find their place, but also about his own journey with this topic as he wrote this piece.
Pre-Teens and Teens are Overscheduled
On one end of the spectrum, some teens have way too little to do. But on the other end, you’ll find teens who are really busy. Harper A. teaches us about the dangers of over-scheduling.
Should elementary-age students have Smartwatches?
Smartwatches are becoming a common accessory on the wrist of students even in the earliest grades. Macy M. makes a case that these mini computers do not belong in schools because of the learning and social issues they cause.
Reducing Pay Gap for Professional Athletes
The pay gap between men and women professional athletes has been well documented. Heath K. explains this complex issue and offers some solutions.
Stop Gun Violence
Gun violence on a massive scale is specific to the United States. Alex C., Alicia F.R. and Mei Mei B. share insights and data about this issue that affects citizens in all states.
The War on Books
Schools across the country are banning books. In fact, Texas has banned more books from school libraries this past year than any other state in the nation, according to The Texas Tribune. Grade 3 student Brandon L. examines this issue and helps us understand why banning books is a problem.
Kids should do chores
Research suggests there are benefits to including chores in a child's routine as early as age 3. Zain B. explains how daily chores can help kids develop responsibility, prepare for the future, and find a sense of accomplishment.
Should dogs be allowed in restaurants?
As of 2022, 44.5% of U.S. households own dogs. Henry T. makes a case that restaurants could increase their profits by opening their doors to furry friends and their paying owners.
Don't Eat Guinea Pigs!
While guinea pigs are popular pets in the U.S., in parts of South America such as Peru they're a delicacy. Guinea pigs (called cuy, cuye, or curí) were originally domesticated for their meat in the Andes. Townes K.L. and Lulu C. make a case for not eating guinea pigs.
Homework should be banned
Xander Y. makes a case against homework as it is often the primary stesser in kids' lives.
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Should screen time be restricted?
Screen time is an issue for most people, young and old. How much is too much? How can tech be used for good? Flynn E. explores the pros and cons of screen time restrictions.
Threat to Democracy: Part 2
This is the second part of our series on threats to democracy.
Threats to Democracy: Part 1
Some core tenets of democracy are people's participation, the resolution of conflict, equality and justice. In this two-part series, students write persuasive paragraphs about threats to these values and to American democracy. While this series might seem depressing, don't worry! We are all about IMP∆CT, so future stories will feature person-by-person actions to protect the government system that is "for the people, by the people."
Is the NFL safe?
Ben H. and Pierce C. reflect on an NFL season overshadowed by severe injuries. However despite the severity of football injuries, the frequency is actually less than that of 4 professional sports.
Artivism - Part 2
“I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.” — Angela Davis, American political activist & academic
Student artists continue to bring suggestions for positive change through dynamic artwork.
Artivism - Part 1
Fifth graders in Ms. Lappinga's class participated in an “Artivism” unit in which they created a poster highlighting a social issue of their choice. We will feature new pieces in this 3-part series.
A Controversial Dog: the Pit Bull
Catherine T. and Sophie B. explore the question: Should pit bulls be banned? Gabrielle R. offers a dog-lover's perspective on the issue. Finally, Harper A. and Violet P.'s film shows how the pit bull got a bad reputation even though it can be a good pet and service dog.
Becoming a Vegan
Seba D. explains veganism and how it can have health benefits as well as benefits for the environment.
World Cup Controversies: Confiscating Rainbow Gear
Greta J. reports on protesting Qatar's treatment of LGBTQ+ people during the 2022 World Cup.
World Cup Controversies: The Treatment of Migrant Workers
Hadley D. teaches us about the abuse of migrant workers who built the World Cup stadiums in Qatar.
World Cup Controversies: The Schedule Change
Lyle D. explains why the 2022 Qatari World Cup is being played in the winter instead of during the usual summertime slot.
Should zoos be banned?
Allie E., Bea C. and Harper A. make a case that zoos mistreat animals so animal lovers need to support animal sanctuaries or rehabilitation centers instead.
Period products should be FREE
Did you know that on average, a woman spends $20 a month on period products? Alicia F.R. makes a powerful argument that feminine hygiene products should be free in public bathrooms and beyond.
Treetopia
Jorge A. introduces us to his ideal world called Treetopia.
Equality now!
Bea D. presents a forceful argument that men and women should be treated equally. She evokes stereotypes from the past and how we need to have hard conversations about leaving these behind to move everyone forward.
What side are you on?
Students summarize a variety of articles on controversial issues related to SDG 15 - Life on Land, SDG 5 - Gender Equality, SDG 10 - Reduce Inequalities and SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production.
Thoughts on Social Media
Social media can be a place to connect with people and share updates on your life. It can also be addictive and cause self-doubt as well as anxiety. Mamie B. and Eve G. explore positive and negative aspects of social media.
Author Visit: Mike Brown
Grade 5 students were visited by children's book author Mike Brown. Mike shared his writing journey and his advice for young writers to share their stories with the world.
Reflections: Having Courage
Courage is defined as being brave in the face of difficulties or the ability to do something that frightens oneself. Acts of courage can be big or small. Enough displays of courage in our world will continue to inspire positive change in our communities. Grade 5 students reflected on some big and small moments of courage in their lives.
Origin Stories
We all come from somewhere and have a story to tell. Members of the St. Andrew's community shared their origin stories with Grade 5 students, creating connection and perspective.
Sports Controversies: Part 3 — The Naomi Osaka story
Madden R. and Adaire M. explore the issue of athletes' obligation to the press. Should they give interviews at the expense of their mental well-being?
What is empathy?
Patrick B. and Caroline B. teach us what empathy looks like and how we can become more empathetic.
Sports Controversies: Part 2 — Vaccine Mandates
Gabriel R. and Jack S. explore the issue of COVID-19 vaccination mandates in professional sports leagues.
Everyone Deserves
Martin Luther King Jr. often spoke about love, acceptance, and human rights. First grade students at St. Andrew's studied MLK's message and created projects showing what everyone in the world deserves to have. We are excited for our future leaders to put their hopes into action one day! Check out some of their work below.
Sports Controversies: Part 1 — The Colin Kaepernick Story
In our first part of this series featuring sports controversies, PK B. examines the impact of Colin Kaepernick, the NFL player known for protesting racial injustice by kneeling during the national anthem.
It's OK to Not Be OK
Teddie G. explores lessons that we can learn from Olympians who have been public about their struggles with mental illness.
A Historical Perspective: Immigration to California
During the Great Depression, many immigrants from Mexico came to California to work in farm labor. Students took time to research what this time was like. We encourage readers to look beyond this history to see how immigration has and has not changed over time.
Reflections: Injustice and Unfairness
Everyone has experienced some sort of unfairness or injustice in their lives. Injustice can happen at the global and national level, but it can also happen at the individual level. Moments of unfairness and injustice can build and build over time and create inequalities and feelings of exclusion, anger, and resentment. Students took time to reflect on experiences of injustice and unfairness.
My Wish for the World
Grade 1 students share their wishes for the world, their community, and their families.
Understanding Disabilities: "Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus" Book Review
After reading a novel where limb differences and Tourette syndrome affect the characters, students reflected not only on their thoughts of the story itself, but also on how people in real life are affected with these disorders and how community members can get involved and help.
We're All New Here
Being new is something we’ve all experienced. “imp∆ct” is new to us: the idea of telling stories, making changes, and seeing the small and large effects of our actions. Like all of us at one point in our lives, our feelings about this new experience are mixed with curiosity, excitement, anxiety, hope, and asking a ton of “what ifs”. 5th graders took some time to reflect on the idea of being new as we prepared to begin our “Impact” journey. Here are some of our stories and some advice for others, and for ourselves, about being new.
