We Beat the Streets

This year all seventh and eight grade students read We Beat the Streets - the story of three doctors who beat the odds and worked together to succeed against the odds.  Students discussed the many lessons in the book.  In addition to learning and studying to become doctors, the three also tried to develop a career in the music industry rapping.  Following this idea, students used rap as a medium to review the lessons that were taught in the book.

"I used to think all I had is the streets
Nothing left but drugs and fights I couldn't defeat
That no hope was there
That no one cared
Except for ME

Realizing stuff
truly made me believe
That I can do it
Push through it
Make it rain

With my success came millions and fame
Where you come from doesn't determine where you go
For all you people  out there
I hope you know
You gotta strive your best to be the best

There really is
success out there
hope out there
It is really true
The only one who can make it happen is you!"
 ~ Kyra B.


"One thing, I understand why
It really does matter how hard you try
Keep that in mind, I designed this rhyme
To explain in due time
(To Persevere)
Time is a valuable thing
Watch it fly by as the pendulum swings
You need to realize even though it gets hard
To push through all the way
(Its so unreal)
You can be a better person
You just keep trying and believe in yourself
Try to hold on and don't waste your time
You can do anything if you set your mind to it
One thing, I understand why
It really does matter how hard you try
Keep that in mind, I designed this rhyme
To remind myself how
I tried so hard
In spite of the way people were mocking me
I persevered until I turned out to be
A much better person in the end
I'm surprised I got so far
Things aren't the way they were before
You wouldn't even recognize me anymore
I'm such a changed persons because I tried
You can change too, just push through
Until the end"
~ Kalen H.


As a conclusion to our unit, students wrote essays explaining one of the lessons and applying it to their personal lives.  The overwhelming topics were to believe in your dreams and with hard work you can accomplish anything!