Will Present Projects At National Conference This Fall
Albert Ford Middle School 8th Grader Gianna Almeida with her presentation on mental health awareness at the 2024 Statewide Civic Action Project Showcase held at Bridgewater State University (Photo courtesy Acushnet Public Schools)
ACUSHNET — Superintendent Dr. Paula Bailey is pleased to announce that four eighth graders have received commendations from the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
The student-led civics projects were presented at DESE’s 2024 Statewide Civic Action Project Showcase, which was held locally at Bridgewater State University. The showcases allow students to present their projects “science fair-style” to local community advisors and each other, and receive feedback. Students from 70 schools across Masssachusetts participated in the three regional showcases.
“A well-rounded education includes giving our students the ability to think critically about the world around them and understand the role we play as citizens,” said Superintendent Bailey. “Congratulations to these students for earning statewide recognition for their projects.”
“I am very proud of the thoughtful approach and hard work these students put into thinking about some of the most challenging issues facing our community,” said Karen Bentley, an eighth-grade civics teacher at Albert Ford Middle School.
Gianna Almeida tackled the lack of adequate mental health supports by raising awareness and exploring solutions. Her project educated the community about mental health challenges, presented viable solutions to help reduce the stigma of seeking help and sought to increase the number of supports available to individuals struggling with mental health.
In their commendation, judges from DESE said Gianna’s project “did an excellent job across at least four out of five categories on the project rubric,” which included identifying an issue, research, action planning, taking action, and reflection.
Myles Lebre, Tyler Lawrence and Kyle Soares presented on food insecurity in Bristol County. By leveraging research and statistics, the group presented a strong explanation of the root causes of food insecurity in Bristol County, and advocated compellingly for action.
In their commendation, judges from DESE said the group conducted deep research into the root causes of their issue, gathered compelling evidence, and made clear and persuasive arguments about why action is needed.”
Because of their exemplary performance, these student teams will have an opportunity to showcase their projects with a national audience on Saturday, Nov. 23 at the National Council for the Social Studies conference in Boston.
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Albert Ford Middle School 8th Graders Tyler Lawrence, Kyle Soares and Myles Lebre with their presentation on food insecurity at the 2024 Statewide Civic Action Project Showcase held at Bridgewater State University (Photo courtesy Acushnet Public Schools)
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