Director of Curriculum and Instruction for the Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District Jenny Sullivan, speaks to the school committee in a past meeting. (THE WESTFIELD NEWS PHOTO)
SOUTHWICK – Southwick Regional School students in grade eight and 12 will participate in the Massachusetts Civic Project this year.
Director of Curriculum and Instruction Jenny Sullivan told the Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School Committee this week that the mandated program will take place and teachers and students are preparing for the project now.
“Last year we began working on this with the Department of Secondary and Elementary Education, and this year we have to implement the project,” Sullivan said.
The project was signed into law by Gov. Charlie D. Baker in 2018 and calls for every school serving students in grade eight and high school to provide at least one student-led, non-partisan civics project consistent with the history and social science framework for each student.
Students will choose their own topics and “move beyond the walls of the classroom” said Sullivan.
“They will be connecting with community influencers and decision makers,” she said.
During the meeting, Sullivan asked that anyone who is contacted by a student for the project please make time for them.
Sullivan said while there is no left or right to the project, it could get political and she urged everyone to keep in mind this is a student project.
Sullivan asked everyone to “be respectful” as these “budding civic activists” reach out to the community.
The high-quality projects include six stages for civic action, including examining the self and community, identifying a focus issue, research and investigation, developing an action plan, taking action and reflecting and showcasing.
Community partners are asked to respond to student communications, meet with student groups, make virtual visits to the school, provide positive feedback and encouragement and maintain a positive and respectful tone on social media.
