Belleville New Tech
Our BNT freshmen recently wrapped up their Hip to Make a Change project, focusing on environmental issues that impact our world. Students researched different environmental concerns and explored ways people can make a difference. They then put their learning into action by creating public service announcements (PSAs) to raise awareness about the issues they chose.
Through these presentations, students had the opportunity to share what they learned, communicate why these issues matter, and encourage others to think about how they can help make a change. Great work, freshmen!
This week, our sophomores took the stage to celebrate the end of Hamilton: The PoLITical Revolution, a project in our Government and English block, Money, Power, and the American Dream.
Over the past four weeks, students listened to the Hamilton soundtrack as a way into the foundations of American government. Songs became inspiration for class discussions on the Articles of Confederation, the debate over a strong central government, the tension between state and federal power, and how political compromise shapes a nation. When students heard characters argue over the drafting of our Constitution, they were seeing how real political deals work, and they could explain why those deals matter.
Students studied the literary techniques that make the musical’s storytelling so powerful, including metaphor, allusion, rhyme, repetition, point of view, etc. They then used those techniques in their own work, writing original performance pieces that explored themes such as ambition, legacy, power, or the American Dream.
Students performed their pieces for classmates and the results were impressive. This project reflects what we hope Money, Power, and the American Dream is all about: helping students see that history, government, and literature are connected, and that they can understand and create meaning in all three. We are proud of our students’ effort, creativity, and courage.
Thank you to the families who supported students at home, whether by listening to rehearsals, offering feedback, or putting up with Hamilton on repeat.
