Whitin Middle School Debate Finals to be held in the gym on June 7^th at 7 PM at Whitin Middle School 120 Granite Street, Uxbridge, MA 01569

On the evening of June 7^th at 7 PM, selected 8^th Grade students of the Whitin Middle School in Uxbridge will take part in a formal debate in the school gymnasium.  The Grade 8 English teachers began these debates back in 1998 as a way of promoting critical thinking, public speaking, and team building skills among their 8^th grade students, and over the years the debates have grown in scope and popularity to the point where they are now a much anticipated part of the Grade 8 English curriculum.

Debate involves a proposition: a statement that can be argued with equal effectiveness in the affirmative or the negative.  A few days ago, students were placed into groups, assigned a position, and began to prepare their arguments.  After 10 days of research, practice, and angst, student teams participated in preliminary rounds.  Over the years these debates have increased in size, preparation, and importance.  Each team’s debate must be thoroughly supported by facts, but drama a personal flair count as well.  After the preparation period, all students participate in the preliminary round.  From there, the three highest scoring Affirmative teams and the three highest scoring Negative teams move on to the Finals.  This year’s debates should prove to be especially relevant and exciting.

2007 Debate Proposition: Resolved: All public schools in Massachusetts should require students to wear school uniforms.  Such a policy would reduce school violence and conflict, particularly in urban areas, by restricting gang colors and accessories, deemphasizing the differences between the “haves” and the “have-nots”, and improve overall school morale and pride by increasing the focus on learning instead of on appearance.