The Volunteers vs. The Giant Reed

Mark Hengesbaugh captivates 8th graders

On Friday 3/4/11, Mark Hengesbaugh took on the toughest crowd known to teachers everywhere - 8th graders. This middle school focuses on social justice and environmental sustainability, and these students are interested in a community activity. Jean and Mark were asked to talk to them about their work on giant reed.
Mark writes: Twenty-four 8th graders from Paulo Freire Freedom School sat in the Sabino Dam area on Friday and heard the saga of "The Volunteers vs. the Giant Reed." Kids viewed "before" photos asked good questions like, "How long did it take to get so bad?"