The first grade classes recently completed a cross-curricular unit in social studies and writing, that combined lessons on the civil rights movement and persuasive writing.

In social studies, the students learned about the civil rights movement, and the actions people take to make change in society. They learned that people make speeches, walk in marches, sing songs, and write letters to make the world a better place.

In writing, the students learned how to write persuasively, using these skills to write letters and speeches, and make signs about issues they care about.

Last week, the first grade classes held their own protest march at school, carrying our signs and singing the protest song, "Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around."

Greene Street Friends School has a long history of nurturing the development of its students' voices. Recalls Paul Paz y Mino '83, "My time at GSFS helped me to learn what a beautiful and diverse place the world actually is. It also helped me to see that we can all stand up to support our community when we see injustice or unfairness. As a human rights and environmental advocate, I've been doing it ever since."