Students Discuss Russia/Ukraine Conflict

Friends Academy educators are committed to talking with students in ways that support their developmental stage and readiness.

In a lesson designed to bring a careful consideration of current events into the curriculum, this week, Upper School history teacher and department chair Stephen Brennan encouraged his students to reflect on the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Students came up with a host of questions: “Why is Russia doing this?” “Can Russian nuclear missiles reach New York?” 

Mr. Brennan helped them explore the historical context for the crisis by charting a timeline leading up to the invasion, from the rule of the czars to Communist revolution and famine that lead to the deaths of millions in Ukraine. He helped them understand NATO and how Ukraine’s possible membership may have increased tensions between the two countries. 

Mr. Brennan shared resources from the Brown University Department of History and the Economist, including the latest BBC report on the heavy bombardment of Kharkiv. Finally, he assigned a New York Times column by Thomas Friedman as homework.   

In addition to discussions in class, Mr. Brennan is helping to organize a Lunch & Learn for interested students next week. Upcoming events will also include our next Peace Vigil, which gives Friends Academy students the opportunity to amplify their voices. In a recent letter to the community, Head of School Andrea Kelly emphasized the school’s Quaker mission and encouraged families to “please join us in holding the people of Ukraine in the light as we strive for peace in every corner of the world.”