SHS Alum Phil Struzziero Shares Advice During Gates Writing Project

Time has come for the annual 7th-grade short story narrative project, where the English and social studies departments at Gates Middle School work cohesively to give students well-rounded learning skills. From the English perspective of this assignment, students need to write a narrative with the classic elements: dialogue, sensory detail, and figurative language. With a geography component added, students stretch their horizons and pick a foreign country and conflict in which to base the plot of their stories. This aspect requires much research and dedication.

Ruth Yasin, a 7th grade English teacher who is a strong proponent of project-based learning, said this project teaches students research skills that make their stories more “interesting, gripping, and entertaining.” She reports that she is “blown away already” by how well her students are writing.

One critical component to this short story narrative project has been the writing panel–also an annual event–that takes place during students’ English and geography classes. On the panel, different authors speak to why they are passionate about writing. They also share strategies and tips on writing as well as answering questions from eager students. The authors then go back to the classrooms for one-on-one time with the students.

Typically, Project-Based Learning includes having outside experts come into the classroom to coach kids, so this panel is the perfect opportunity. Yasin said that having professional authors present teaches kids that their work is “worthwhile, a life skill,” not just for a grade. She said it’s great for students to hear reinforcement regarding their schoolwork from people other than peers or teachers.

SHS alum Dr. Phil Struzziero, author of the YA novel Teen Ref: A Good “No Call,” was one of the many authors invited to this year’s writing panel. Struzziero, who also teaches English at Higham High School, attended the panel to talk about his book and offer writing tips to middle school students. After the panel, he stuck around to work individually with students.

Struzziero said his visit reminded him of his time at SHS and the teachers who allowed him to become the person he is today. Struzziero said he is grateful for the education he received in Scituate; therefore, he tries to make a positive impact on all students at the various schools he visits.

Struzziero recently finished two more books, which are sequels to his first book. Struzziero said his plans for future books are still in the works, but he expects to continue writing.