Last week, Cluster 4 Social Studies students finished their studies of the first emperor of China, Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi, with an experiential exercise of petitioning the Emperor. Each student wrote and presented a petition to the emperor (at the risk of being “exiled" to the desert or mountains by one of our guest Emperors: Mr. Giacobozzi, Mr. McDermott, Mr. Yaqhabi, and Mr. Kenny). Their writing pieces were short, yet tricky: they had to make sure to flatter the Emperor, bring up a problem without insulting his imperial pride, and offer a solution that would make the emperor look good. The students did a phenomenal job!

Shoutouts also to my cluster (Karen, Phil, Lisa, Mary, Ray, Courtney, Julia and Ben) for all of their help with costuming, set design, and classroom management. Special thanks to Tony, who arranged for a platform to be built by Dean Poillucci in our CTE wood shop downstairs. Thanks to Mary, Aine, and the students for their ideas and support in purchasing and refurbishing an old chair into a throne! I feel so fortunate to be part of a school with such warm and helpful colleagues and students. Truly. It makes the work fun. Thank you.