Perspective

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.

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.

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