Canton seventh graders unveil ‘Galvin Pride’ project

By Candace Paris

Julie Ghostlaw, English teacher at the Galvin Middle School, is very proud of this year’s seventh graders. The entire seventh grade has been working hard on a lengthy and ambitious undertaking to beautify the Galvin grounds. Known as the Galvin Pride Project, it followed an approach to instruction called project-based learning which, in this case, combined typical English class activities such as reading and writing with some related “real world” work. The project reached its culmination last week.

In an event held on Tuesday morning, June 18, GMS Assistant Principal Jim Spillane welcomed guests and thanked sponsors, saying the Galvin Pride Project “really was a community project.” He invited parents, school administrators, sponsors, and other guests to circulate among the students, who were stationed by each project. Clustered in their work groups and holding up posters, they explained their work and answered questions.

The project began early in the school year when students started a writing assignment focusing on a community narrative. They read Seedfolks by Paul Fleischman, which tells the story of a fictional community garden in Cleveland, Ohio, created spontaneously when local residents start paying attention to a long-neglected vacant lot in their depressed neighborhood. The reader gradually becomes involved in the characters’ lives as the characters become involved in the garden and each other, eventually becoming a true community.

Working with fellow English teachers Courtney Shaughnessy and Kristi Canavan, Ghostlaw, the group’s team leader, had created the project in response to a call for project-based learning. She said the principal, Sarah Shannon, is certified in project-based learning and was a great resource and very encouraging.

“There’s a need to get kids engaged,” said Ghostlaw.

She chose Seedfolks with the goal of diversifying representation in curriculum literature; its characters are widely diverse in age and cultural backgrounds, and the story’s upbeat arc sends a positive message.

After reading the novel, the students brainstormed projects following basic guidelines. The teachers found that the real-life project to improve the school’s grounds was very motivating: students could see that the exterior of the almost 50-year-old building needed some TLC. In addition, through researching the benefits of spending time in nature for stress relief, students learned that being outside helps mood, focus, and motivation.

Ghostlaw said they enjoyed the group work and loved going outside. The project was structured so that students received periodic rounds of feedback and then revised plans accordingly. They developed skills in problem solving, collaboration, and critical thinking; they also needed to be creative and to take on responsibilities. In addition, they created budgets (each group was allotted about $20), wrote reflections and persuasive letters requesting donations, and made presentations.

The final results include a reading nook with two benches and bird feeders built in tech class under the direction of Steve Bauer. The Pat McCarville Memorial Garden has been spruced up with plantings and stepping stones, and LaLiberte Circle and the building front have received similar treatment. The basketball court and Mutch rink have also been spruced up.

Ghostlaw said she hopes mulch will help deter weeds over the summer but that she lives nearby and can keep an eye on things, including watering if needed. When school opens in the fall, care of the plants will be turned over to the Gardening Club.

Ghostlaw is sold on the benefits of project-based learning. “In the future I’d like to do more,” she said. “There are more outdoor spaces, and we could also take a look at the inside of the building.”

She is also considering basing a project on Johnny Tremain, a classic novel of pre-Revolutionary War Boston, which offers Canton connection possibilities with its portrayal of Paul Revere.

Ghostlaw said that Galvin Pride is one of her favorite things that she’s done as an educator. “It’s a lot of work but it’s exciting,” she said. “I think we’ve all really enjoyed it.”

Ghostlaw also expressed her appreciation for the many businesses and organizations who stepped up with donations of equipment, labor, or money, including Bank of Canton, Blue Hills Country Club, Pat Gibbs Landscaping, American Earth Products, Wegmans, Canton Parks & Recreation, It’s2Cool, GMS CAPT, and the Canton Alliance for Public Education (CAPE). Individuals and families have also donated time, money and support.

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