Eighth graders present program on culture change within Decatur school

Photo by Mike Eckels Eighth-grade students from Decatur Middle School wait to board a bus for a field trip March 31. The eighth-grade class will present a program on effecting change in the Decatur school culture at Peterson Gym April 12 at 12:30 p.m.
Photo by Mike Eckels Eighth-grade students from Decatur Middle School wait to board a bus for a field trip March 31. The eighth-grade class will present a program on effecting change in the Decatur school culture at Peterson Gym April 12 at 12:30 p.m.

— It is refreshing to see young people pool their resources in order to bring about change in their school. That is exactly what the eighth-grade classes at Decatur Middle School are about to do during an assembly at Peterson Gym April 12.

The group, led by Ithzel Martinez, wants to alter the way people in the community and the surrounding area think about the Decatur School District and its 590 students.

"Although we are a little school, we are on a journey to make a big change, not only in our school, but in other schools as well," said Martinez. "Many people view Decatur as just another small town where people don't succeed academically or athletically. The eighth-grade class is trying to change their perception of their small school."

The idea began taking shape when four eighth graders entered into a conversation about the differences between the Decatur school culture and those of schools in the surrounding area. Their teacher, Joli Sotallaro, was listening in on the conversation and decided to join in and explain some of these differences to her students. While working with the small group, Sotallaro decided to get the rest of her class involved in the discussion and this led to the beginnings of a new project.

"After a few minutes of talking, Mrs. Sotallaro stopped the class and brought us all together to talk about our situation," Martinez said. "Later on, Mrs. Sotallaro's class united with the other eighth graders and we discussed the topic at hand."

Students brainstormed on ways to effectively change this conception of the Decatur School. They began the process of working on the details they need to carry out a plan. With a plan in place, the group decided to present their ideas in a unique way.

The classes have organized an event to change school culture that will take place between 12:30 to 3 p.m.Wednesday, April 12, in the Decatur High School gym. The event will include students of all grades in Decatur Middle School from fifth to eighth grade. There will be a student-led presentation and fun activities in which all fifth- through eighth-grade students will participate.

"We would like you to invite the community to come join us on our journey to Revolution 2021," Martinez said.

For more information on this program, contact Joli Sotallaro at [email protected] or 479-684-8124.

General News on 04/05/2017