Stray Animals in Far Rockaway
Stephanie Medina
P.S. 106Q - The Lighthouse Elementary School
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INTRODUCTION: According to Google, “In Far Rockaway, NY, stray animals, particularly cats and dogs, are a known issue. Several organizations, including Bobbi and the Strays, Noah's Ark Animal Rescue NY, and others, are actively involved in rescuing, rehabilitating, and finding homes for these animals. Additionally, organizations like Animal Care Centers of NYC and the ASPCA also play a role in addressing animal welfare in the area.” |
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TASK:
You will write a persuasive letter to council woman Selvena Brooks-Powers. Explain why stray dogs/cats are such a problem in Far Rockaway. Ask for her support with an organization that helps strays in our community.
PROCESS:
You will be grouped based on what organization you want to support.
1. Define the Problem - What is the issue? Discuss with your group.
2. Gather the Evidence - Where have you seen stray animals? You can use the data collection sheet to track how many stray animals you see or you can ask your classmates if they see straw animals in our community.
Sample Data Collection Table:
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3. Identify the Causes - Why do you think there are so many stray animals around our neighborhood?
4. Evaluate an Existing Policy - What happens to stray animals?
Use the following links to research:
● ASPCA
5. Develop Solutions - What organizations help stray animals?
6. Select the Best Solution - What organization do you think council woman Selvena Brooks-Powers should support? Use this Feasibility vs. Effectiveness worksheet to help you discuss with your group why you picked that organization: https://flippedtips.com/plegal/tips/worksheet6.html
EVALUATION:
M10 Rubric.pdf - page 2
CONCLUSION:
Do you think your letter will convince Selvena Brooks-Powers to support the organization?
STANDARDS:
5R8: Explain how claims in a text are supported by relevant reasons and evidence, identifying which
5W1a: Introduce a precise claim and organize the reasons and evidence logically.
5W1b: Provide logically ordered reasons that are supported by facts and details from various sources.
5W6: Conduct research to answer questions, including self-generated questions, and to build knowledge through investigation of multiple aspects of a topic using multiple sources.
STUDENT WORK:
6/11/2025
Dear Congresswoman Selvena Brooks Powers,
Hi my name is Ken and I’m in 5th grade. At my school, Lighthouse Elementary, we are learning about animals and how animals can't really survive in the wild if they aren't together.
Our area has a lot of straw dogs and cats. I always see a dog running around on my walk home from school. It’s a big problem. These animals need homes.
That is why I like the organization the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). The ASPCA organization helps take care of animals. They rescue and protect animals from neglected homes. They try to stop stray groups by trap and release. Another thing the organization does is, they advocate for animal protection laws. They work with law enforcement to help animals in need. The law enforcement also helps take care of pets alone with the ASPCA.
You should support the ASPCA so the animals in our neighborhood are protected. We have too many strays and they help control the amount. The ASPCA is good on their own, but with your help the organization can be even better. They help find homes for the animals, who need them, and they fight against animal cruelty. They offer advocacy training and they share their ideas with other people.
Your generous support will help the organization provide the support the animals in far rockaway need.
Sincerely,
Ken