Wethersfield students showcase argumentative writing; EL teachers and a staff author recognized

At the board’s late‑December meeting, Wethersfield Public Schools highlighted classroom work from English‑learner instruction and presented a signed copy of a new book by teacher‑author Heather Peshera.

Alexis Malika, an English Learner (EL) teacher at Hanmer School, introduced a set of fourth‑ and fifth‑grade argumentative essays. She told the board the district is linguistically diverse — ‘‘about 1 in every 3 families has a second language spoken in the home’’ and that Hanmer’s EL population is roughly 20.8 percent, figures she cited while introducing the students.

Fourth grader Nicole Zhang read an essay arguing against building in flood zones, citing hurricane damage, storm surge risks and FEMA’s emphasis on wetlands restoration. Nicole concluded: "I believe people should not build in flood zones,” explaining wetland benefits for storm protection.

Several fifth graders debated whether children should have cell phones. Yura Cosmitch and Hava argued phones improve safety and help with homework; they cited classroom material and surveys (students using phones for homework; studies saying about 84 percent of teens report feeling safer with a phone). Mustafa, the lone student to argue against phones, cited studies that found test scores improved after phone bans (he referenced a 6 percent improvement figure) and raised concerns about sleep loss and online bullying.

Board members praised the students’ public speaking and the teachers’ instructional approach. The presentation concluded with the board thanking the teachers and families and noting the value of showcasing student learning in public meetings.