R-A-F-T Writing
Role: Choose to be either a teacher, a student, a parent, or someone living in the community.
Audience: Consider who your audience should be.
Format: Write a letter.
Topic: Imagine that a true-crime club is about to start up here at McAdory High School. Depending on your role, you might support or oppose this club’s creation. Take a stance and write a letter from a perspective described above as a Role.
This is an individual assignment.
Role: Parent
Audience: School Principal
Format: Letter
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[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Zip]
[Date]
Dr. [Principal's Last Name],
Principal
McAdory High School
[School Address]
[City, State, Zip]
Dear Dr. [Principal's Last Name],
I write to you today not just as a concerned parent of a student at McAdory High School but also as a member of our community who deeply values the educational and moral environment of the institution that serves our children. It is with a considerable sense of urgency that I raise an issue that has recently become the subject of much discussion among parents and guardians: the impending establishment of a true-crime club at McAdory High School.
Allow me to preface my thoughts by stating that I am a staunch advocate for academic freedom and the exploration of diverse subject matter that can stimulate critical thinking and student engagement. However, with this proposed club, I find myself questioning the appropriateness and benefits such an organization may hold for our teenagers.
My opposition to the true-crime club stems from several concerns:
1. Emotional Impact: True crime often delves into dark and disturbing themes that could have a profound effect on young, impressionable minds. The engagement with graphic content and the potential glorification of criminal behavior is something I believe our school should not promote.
2. Focus on Sensationalism: The true-crime genre's reliance on sensationalism to attract interest may lead students away from empathetic understanding towards a more trivial perception of serious social issues such as violence, crime, and the justice system.
3. Misallocation of Resources: The resources that will be dedicated to this club, be they financial, faculty, or time, could be better directed towards clubs that foster a positive impact on student development and academic excellence.
4. Community Perception: Lastly, the creation of a true-crime club may send a concerning message to the broader community regarding our school's priorities. It might suggest a fascination with criminality rather than a commitment to learning and civic responsibility.
Dr. [Principal's Last Name], as you make your decision, I urge you to contemplate the ramifications of such a club and its alignment with the values and mission of McAdory High School. While I am just one voice among many, I am confident that I speak for a number of parents when I express these reservations. Our shared goal of nurturing a safe, positive learning environment for our students should guide us as we contemplate the enrichment opportunities we provide to them.
I am open to a discussion on this matter and would welcome the chance to engage in a constructive dialogue with you or at a school board meeting. I hope that together, we can explore alternate clubs or student activities that can be both intellectually enriching and aligned with our shared educational objectives.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my perspective on this sensitive matter. I look forward to your thoughtful response and to working together towards the best interests of our students and community.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]