This spring, Malden Public School students in grades 1-5 worked on persuasive writing.The new English Language Arts Curriculum Frameworks for Massachusetts now place a heavier emphasis on writing to persuade different audience.

The fourth grade English language learners in Ms. Nunez O'Doherty's at the Beebe School took on the topic of the teen center. Their intended audience was Mayor Christenson himself. Students gave specific reasons in their letters as to why Malden needs a teen center.

Earlier this month, Mayor Christenson visited the students. Students read their letter to the Mayor, who graciously signed their letters.The visit gave students a firsthand experience of the power persuasive writing can have to change their community. The letters also connected to the the Beebe School theme this year, "Better me, better Beebe, better Malden."

Enjoy some of the students letters below.

Dear Mayor Christenson:

I strongly agree that there should be a teen center because kids could go there after school. Teens need a place to have fun by playing on the computer. They could go with friends or with their families. Also kids and teens will learn more at the teen centers. Teens can also play games and have fun.

Kids and teens will love the teen center. The teen center would be a lot of fun.

Sincerely,

Jasmine

Dear Mayor Christenson:

I strongly agree that a teen center in Malden would be a great for the community because children can be themselves and learn new things at the center. My first point is if there was a teen center, they could do their homework. The teen center staff could help kids with their work. Another point is that the teen center gives teens an opportunity to work.

Sincerely,

Raghad

Dear Mayor Christenson:

It is important to build a teen center so teenagers can congregate.

The first reason is for the teen center is that teenagers can play there and do homework. They can spend more time with each other.

My second point is that teenagers can do many different kinds of games like tennis, basketball, swimming, and other kinds of games.

Lastly, a teen center provides a safe place for kids to play and congregate because the children don't need to be in the street and have troubles.

Creating a teen center would be a fabulous place to congregate and have fun. The children or teenagers can do many things. It is important to build a teen center so kids can congregate safely.

Sincerely,

Yalun

Our Malden Patch Blog is an effort of the Malden Public Schools Title I Program to outreach to parents and help strengthen home and school connections. Parents are encouraged to contact the Title I Family Coordinators, Pat Fish and Paul McCarthy, at pfish@malden.mec.edu or pmccarth@malden.mec.edu or 781-388-0663 for any assistance or questions.