CSI - Middle School
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On Friday, April 30, middle school students at Our
Lady of the Elms School investigated the disappearance of the school dog
“Gracie” as the culmination of a two-week Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) unit. |
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Science teacher Cristina Jones successfully applied for a GAR Educator Initiative Grant which funded this inter-disciplinary project between middle school science, math, language arts, and social studies teachers.
Middle School Director, Debbie Lorincz said,
“This is a wonderful program for our girls. It fosters problem-solving
and critical thinking skills.”
And what did the girls think? Elms 8th grader, Julie Klein
states, “It gives students a great knowledge of law and crime scene
investigation. I learned so much about science, inquiry skills, how to
express myself, and even self-confidence. I learned that I might enjoy
law as a career.” |
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Rachel Cooke, 7th grade adds, “They had speakers that really helped you understand what the job is like, instead of sitting at home and watching CSI and getting a completely false idea about what truly happens.”
Principal Lisa Massello garnered the middle
school students’ help on Friday with an emotional plea to help find her dog.
Gracie’s empty leash was found approximately 20 minutes after she was tied
to a tree outside the school. Students analyzed evidence left at the
“crime scene” including lip prints on a coffee mug, footprints, hair
samples, fingerprints, and ink on a note. The students questioned
seven “persons of interests” under the supervision of Elms parent and
practicing lawyer, Laura Kulwicki. Persons of interest included the
principal’s administrative assistant, the Admissions Director, the school’s
head cook, two teachers and the school librarian and the former convent
prioress, both of whom routinely walk Gracie. After students gave their
closing arguments to reveal who they had determined as the guilty party,
Gracie leaped onto the stage to greet Massello and the relieved students.
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