Book of the month: honoring community growth

Some communities are accidental, others are intentionally created. At the Morris Academy for Collaborative Studies (MACS), students have the opportunity to participate in Peer Group Connection (PGC) — a mentoring initiative for juniors and seniors, and a unique space for students to foster community and expand their leadership skills.

In The Heart of the Matter, PGC members use the themes of pathos, logos and ethos to celebrate the value they place on their community and the growth they experience as members. This collection offers a mix of reflections, research, and personal narratives to demonstrate why peer connections are so critical for personal development.

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USING THIS PUBLICATION IN THE CLASSROOM
As you contemplate community-building opportunities for your students, consider these questions:

• How can your school build a strong community, while fostering the leadership skills of students? 
• What initiatives might inspire the mentorship of student leaders at your school?
• What peer connections will support student growth?

We invite you to use this book to honor the communities that exist in your life. Consider creating a project for students to explore the histories of their communities and the rituals, characteristics, and values they celebrate. Challenge your students to compose spoken word poems or songs about their communities, inviting outsiders to become insiders. Go public by creating a space for these creations to be performed and celebrated within your school community. Opportunities for peer collaboration and mentorship are incredibly valuable, and we believe your students will step up to the challenge!

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