MHS has always believed in the importance of young people learning and partaking in the world of adult work. As we begin our third and final school-wide theme of the 2011-12 school year, the World of Work, it is fitting that middle school students are busy with a work-related writing project, supported by the amazing literacy volunteer program 826 Boston.
826 Boston supports children ages 6-18 in creative and expository writing. They work in and outside of schools, helping to find ways to inspire students to write. This year MHS sixth, seventh, and eighth graders have worked closely with 826 Boston to produce a feature publication, which will be released in coming months. The book will focus on student-lead interviews with adults who have fascinating careers and jobs. Students have been involved in every aspect of book publishing, from concept creation to planning the publication party.
This week, eighth graders Malick and Sela conducted an interview with a very interesting adult: the Honorable Mayor Thomas M. Menino!
The students traveled to City Hall along with 826 Boston Executive Director Daniel Johnson, where they were welcomed by the Mayor. Questions ranged from “What are the challenges of your job?” to “What are you most proud of?” Both students conducted the taped interview with poise and humor. They were however, a little unprepared when the Mayor spontaneously began questioning them!
“What are your plans for the summer?” “Are you reading enough books? What is the last book you read?” “Are you involved in sports?” “What do you do after school?”
During the 30-minute interview, it was clear that Mayor Menino felt happy and relaxed in the company of young people. And it was also obvious that Malick and Sela felt confident and relaxed spending time in the company of an interesting adult with an interesting career.
Photo Credits: Isabel Leon, City of Boston