Every year, grade 7 students complete an intensive research unit centered on a debate topic. During this unit, students access, process and evaluate 10 resources covering the pros and cons of the issues. Including guest speakers in the unit allows students to connect with adults who have expertise on the issue at hand.

This year, students are researching pro and con arguments for the following debate resolution: In matters of foreign policy with regards to the Middle East, the United States should only use military intervention in cases of mass human rights violations. Students will write outlines and essays on both sides of the issue. At the end of the unit, students will pick a side and engage in an academic debate on the topic.

~Jeni Johnson, Middle School English Teacher

Below is a student perspective article written after a visit from guest expert Commanding Officer, Marine Corps Tactics and Operations Group, and St. Margaret's parent Colonel Matthew L. Jones:

Last Friday, the 10:15 a.m. bell ended D Block, but for St. Margaret's seventh grade students it was the beginning of a truly amazing learning experience.

The students excitedly walked to their backpacks, seizing their research binders and assorted pens, pencils and erasers, then made their way to the Middle and Upper School Library to listen to this year's debate speaker. As they made their way across the field and into the Library all eyes were on Colonel Jones. The students had already read his bio and knew a little bit about him. Teachers mentioned that Colonel Jones would lean "pro" and were enlightened with his reasoning.

Every year St. Margaret's Middle School students complete a formal debate unit with a question that is based upon a current United States problem. This year's question is: In matter of foreign policy with regards to the Middle East, should the United States only use military intervention in cases of mass human rights violations? While just finishing up their "con" and beginning with the pro, many weren't sure if there would be much evidence to support the "con" side of the debate. The students, however, were pleasantly surprised.

When Middle School English teacher Mrs. Christie McMahon stood with the microphone in front of the room the last minute whispers finished up and all eyes were on her. Mrs. McMahon started with some brief introductions then handed over the microphone to Colonel Jones. The students whipped out pencils and extra pieces of paper. He started by telling us a little bit about himself and then got down to business. The students scribbled things down as fast as they could, hoping not to miss a word. Colonel Jones told us his feelings on military intervention filled with strong evidence and statistical examples. He shared well-reasoned evidence for both the pro and con side of the debate. After he finished up some last minute thoughts, he opened things up for questions.

Colonel Jones had informative and well-reasoned answers for all of our questions. As he talked, all you could hear from the audience was the sound of pencils scribbling furiously. He believed that no matter how noble the cause, war was still war and people still died and suffered. He also believed that you should always consider America’s vital interest when intervening militarily. The students copied down facts, statistics and ideas from the amazing Colonel Jones. My views on this topic have changed immensely since our talk with him.

As the hour was ending, Mrs. McMahon announced that our time was up. Students quickly jotted down some last minute thoughts and ideas, amazed at all the wonderful information that they had learned in the short hour. They had so many different arguments, ideas and opinions for this subject matter and could not thank Colonel Jones enough.

To be able to meet an expert like Colonel Jones was an amazing privilege for the students. All the information he gave made the students much more informed and excited for the upcoming debate.