A November 2017 issue of the NY Times Magazine was almost 100% devoted to thoughtful articles about driverless cars. The subheading was “What happens to roadkill or traffic tickets when our vehicles are in control?” If you are interested in deep thinking, then follow the link below.
721Q Students Speak at Queens Public Hearing, Make News in The NY Times and The Globe
Last week, five students from the 721Q Eagles made the news for speaking at Queens Borough Hall during a public hearing commissioned by the mayor on the removal of “symbols of hate” from city property.
One of the students, Trashawn Pace, was quoted as saying, “I believe the statues of people who hurt others to become famous should be removed,” Mr. Pace said. “No one should ever have to suffer to make another person so famous that they get to be remembered forever.”
To read more about the debate and this new Queens team to be reckoned with, check out the articles below:
Amid Raging Debate Over Statues, a Calm Discussion in New York
https://nyti.ms/2jAALHS
Killing Christopher Columbus: New York joins nationwide reckoning with monuments
Oil Spills: Not If, but When?
Last year for Round Three and the playoffs, students debated the issues regarding halting or continuing construction on the Dakota Access Pipeline. This week, another major pipeline, The Keystone XL, received final approval despite the “bad timing” of a massive oil leak just a few days prior on the Keystone Pipeline. Here is an article from Vice News entitled: Why a massive oil spill couldn’t stop the Keystone XL pipeline. Thoughts?
Go Army!
This soldier plays on the Pittsburgh Steelers. He is the only one on his team to stand for the National Anthem. Here is his story:
What would my therapist say?
It seems that even psychologists are interested in our first debate topic. An article in Psychology Today magazine suggests that we consider each side of the “stand or kneel” debate before making up our minds. That way, we won’t get into any fights on or off the playing field.
To Kneel or Stand: The National Anthem
Round One Topic in the News
Round One begins in just two weeks! How are the preparations going? As usual, our topic has been popping up in the news, including in the latest edition of Junior Scholastic. If you have a subscription, you can access the digital edition online.
Cross-Exam, Part 2: Why Submit Questions in Advance?
A teacher asked this great Cross-Examination question:
Why do we have to post our questions the day before when we don’t know what the “holes” in the other team may be? Why can’t we have a team member, who is listening intently, come up with the questions as the debate is going on?
Here is the Rebuttal: Continue Reading →
By in Instruction
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Questioning During the Cross-Exam
Helping your team to come up with the cross-exam questions can be one of the most confusing parts of the debate (which is actually a good thing because it means they are thinking critically!) and so it is helpful to have some guidelines and question starters ready.
Here are some ways to start out a good cross-exam question: Continue Reading →
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Victory!
The Winning Moment with the 177Q Debate Team
By in Student Voices
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177Q Supports Puerto Rico
Bridgit Hamill from 177Q sent us the following news, which we just had to share:
“Tomorrow our class (the P177Q debate team) is having a bake sale to benefit a family in Puerto Rico directly affected by Hurricane Maria. Because we try to keep current on the news in order to study for debate, we were discussing this topic. The kids were very sad and passionate about wanting to do something to help. ”
Thank you for the great work you are doing!
By in News, Student Voices
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Digital Currency a Reality
Well, the kids debated it in 2014, and three years later it is a reality. Look at this sign in a Japanese restaurant on 31st street in Manhattan. They only accept credit and debit cards…no money allowed! Which means that if you wanted to pay for your meal with dollars and coins, or if you are not old enough to have a credit/debit card, or if your credit card was turned down, etc., etc., you have to go to another restaurant. Bad luck if you are craving sushi!
Hamilton! (or how 368K did NOT throw away their shot!)
368K debaters were among a cohort of fortunate students that saw Hamilton on Broadway. Afterwards, the World’s Finest Debate Team performed on stage, in costume! Have you seen the show yet?
Food for Thought
This just in from Sondra Lowe-Stuart, culinary teacher from 721M, regarding the final live debates:
“The team would like to say thank you for the opportunity to once again cater for your event. They all had their own reflective moments that I wanted to share with you.
Jayden said he was happy to cook food for you.
Gary said it was “too much work, but he liked it.”
Mehki said he liked “cooking the food, but he loved making the juice because it was his favorite kind.” Continue Reading →
By in Student Voices
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2017 High School Finals
2017 High School Finals
23Q Rhetoricals (undefeated season)
368K Brooklyn’s Finest Debate Team 
721K Knights of Reason
373K Phanton Thieves and 177Q Probable All-Stars
By in Announcements
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2017 Middle School Finals
2017 Middle School Final Standings
352X BX Debates All Day (undefeated season) 
25R Panthers 
36K Debaters of the Future
75Q Deep Debaters
By in Announcements
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Sanctuary Cities
The debate is over, but we just now came across a map showing some of the major sanctuary cities in the U.S.
D.A.P. Still in the News
The D75 debate is over, but the Dakota Access Pipeline is still in the news. This report states that a federal judge ordered the Army Corps of Engineers to do more environmental testing, which could shut down the pipeline in the future.
Federal judge orders more environmental analysis of Dakota pipeline
It’s a Wrap
Congratulations to all of the teams on another incredible season. The results are in! Drumroll please….
Middle School:
First Place: 352X BX Debates All Day (undefeated season)
Second Place: 25R Panthers
Third Place: 36K Debaters of the Future
Honorable Mention: 75Q Deep Debaters
High School:
First Place: 23Q Rhetoricals (undefeated season)
Second Place: 368K Brooklyn’s Finest Debate Team
Third Place: 721K Knights of Reason
Honorable Mention: 373K Phanton Thieves and the 177Q Probable All-Stars
Official team photos will be posted soon. Congratulations to this year’s winners!
Brooklyn’s Finest Goes to Hamilton
Last week, members of Brooklyn’s Finest Debate team from 368K Star Academy, along with their teacher Ms. Newman and Principal Ms. Nedd, attended a performance of Hamilton for NYC students. Before the show, they got to perform an original skit on the Hamilton stage!!
Debate Posters
For your downloading and printing pleasure.
Nothing like posters around the school to generate some sizzle!
