Sixth graders at Northwood Elementary School are working to prove that “kids can change the world.” That is the theme of the personal project that every sixth grader in the school is currently working on. This significant piece of work is a product of the student’s own initiative and creativity.
Shaelyn Bopp, Bella Frosini and Olivia Harter have decided to focus their project on the humane treatment of animals. “Animals don’t have a voice and we need to help because they can’t help themselves,” said Shaelyn.
One of the project’s requirements is to work with an adult advisor other than their teacher. The girls decided to seek out Karla Barkley from Another Chance Pet Rescue, a non-profit organization that helps homeless and abused cats and dogs in the area. The adult advisor helps the students stay on track, guide them to information, practice their presentations and edit their journal.
“Although there is a lot of negative in the stories that you’ll tell in your presentation, you need to focus on the positive, too.” Barkley advised the girls. She drove to New York City to rescue a severely injured kitten, Keller, who although blind, has made a full recovery. He is just one of the success stories the girls will tell during their final presentation.
In addition to research, note taking, interviewing, presentation, editing and documenting skills, the project involves a high degree of personal reflection. “I love animals and would never want to hurt one,” said Bella. “I don’t understand why anyone would.”
Northwood sixth graders will be presenting their personal projects on Tuesday, June 10 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. For information about Another Chance Pet Rescue, visitanotherchancepetrescue.org.
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