Ethics Bowl SPARK Class!
I am pleased to announce that Johnston Middle School will be offering an Ethics Bowl
SPARK class next year! As this is one of the first Ethics Bowl teams for middle school in
the nation, it is exciting that our students will be part of this new endeavor and will be
providing an example for middle school Ethics Bowl teams in the future. An Ethics Bowl is
as per the National High School Ethics Bowl website, “a competitive yet collaborative event
in which students analyze and discuss real-life, and timely, ethical issues. An ethics bowl
differs from debate in that students are not assigned opposing views; rather they defend
whatever position they believe is right. They win by showing they have thought more
carefully, deeply, and perceptively about the cases in question. This event promotes ethical
awareness, critical thinking skills, civil discourse, civic engagement, and an appreciation for
diverse points of view.” (nhseb.unc.edu) The main reason for doing the Ethics Bowl
SPARK class is to provide students with an opportunity to listen to others, sharpen their
critical thinking skills, and to be able to make better reasoned judgments in their lives and for
the larger society in which we live.
The Ethics Bowl SPARK class will consist of a team of chosen students who will consider,
discuss, and inquire into important and often controversial “cases,” scenarios over ethical
issues that are supplied by the National Ethics Bowl. By nature the cases are controversial,
such as but not limited to, China’s one child policy, genetically modification, compensation
for student athletes, executive salaries for non-profit CEOs, legalization of marijuana,
abortion, gender rights, treatment of endangered species, government collection of private
information, physician-assisted suicide, conscientious objection, etc. The cases require the
student to consider views of which they may not agree and do so in a civil manner. By
considering opposing views, students become critical thinkers who question what we ought to
do and who supply well thought-out reasons to support a view.
Because middle schoolers will need time to learn ethics and as our team will be one of the
first teams in the nation, a formal Middle School Ethics Bowl is not scheduled for next year.
This being the case, however, Ethics Bowl competitions will begin by scrimmages with other
middle schools over the internet and possibly scrimmages with high school teams. If there
should be scrimmages or an Ethics Bowl for middle school these may occur during class time
in which the student will be expected to make up any assignments missed in any class, or the
scrimmages/Ethics Bowl might be held after school or on the weekend in which case the
student will be given ample notice.
To insure that each student in the Ethics Bowl SPARK class has frequent access to the
teacher, has time to voice their views with other members of the group, will be able to
practice possible mock Ethics Bowls, and as an Ethics Bowl team consist of seven, five on a
team and two alternates, the SPARK class itself will be limited to seven to ten students. The
Ethics Bowl SPARK class will not be for a grade or class credit. Students accepted into this
class will be self-motivated to learn ethics and to maintain their grades in their regular classes
without the need for SPARK time to complete homework.
To apply, turn in to Mr. Barber the attached completed “Application and Approval for
Admittance to the Ethics Bowl SPARK Class” along with a copy of the student’s latest report
card. Generally speaking, successful applicants will not have consistently low grades in any
class. Upon review of the application potential candidates for the Ethics Bowl SPARK class,
students will be notified of an interview time with the Ethics Bowl SPARK teacher, Mr.
Barber. Team members will be selected from the interviewees and notified whether or not
they are accepted into the class. Applicants who show traits such as open-mindedness, good
listening skills, critical thinking, self-motivation to learn, asking insightful questions,
reflective, and can contribute positively to the group will make the best candidates for the
Ethics Bowl SPARK class. If you are interested in applying for the Ethics Bowl SPARK
class please fill out, sign, and have your parent or legal guardian sign the attached
“Application and Approval for Admittance to the Ethics Bowl SPARK class.” I look
forward to seeing you in the Ethics Bowl SPARK class next year!
Deric Barber
6th Grade World Cultures and
Ethics Bowl SPARK Teacher
Application and Approval for Admittance to the Ethics Bowl SPARK Class
Student name: ________________________________________
Grade student will be in next year: _____________
Student’s House:
J
M S
G
Parent or guardian’s name ___________________________________________
Parent or guardian’s email:___________________________________________
Parent or guardian’s phone number ____________________________________
Approval Statement for Admittance to the Ethics Bowl SPARK Class
I have read and understand the attached document titled “Ethics Bowl SPARK Class!” I
understand that acceptance to the Ethics Bowl SPARK class is limited, and this application
does not mean acceptance into the Ethics Bowl SPARK class. I understand that in the
Ethics Bowl SPARK class the student will be expected to listen to and consider ideas and
views that are controversial and may conflict with my own. I understand that the Ethics
Bowl SPARK class will be held during SPARK class and as such the student will not have a
regular SPARK class next year. I understand that Ethics Bowl related competitions may be
held during, after school, or on the weekend. I understand that if accepted to the Ethics
Bowl SPARK class, the student will be responsible to maintain grades in other graded classes
and make up any assignments missed resulting from participation in an Ethics Bowl related
competition.
_____________________________
_____________________________
Student’s printed first and last name
Parent or guardian’s printed
first and last name
_____________________________
Student’s signature
_____________________________
Parent or guardian’s signature
Please attach a copy of the student’s latest report card.