John-Andrew Zacharakis

1117 Santa Lucia Drive

Pittsburg, CA 94565

January 27, 2017

Mrs. Stacey Wickware

Clayton Arts Academy
Clayton Valley Charter High School
1101 Alberta Way
Concord, CA 94521

Project Topic: Gun-Free Zones in Schools

Essential Questions: What was the primary purpose of the original Gun-Free School Zones Act
of 1990? What were effective aspects of it, and which ones were ineffective? How can the law be
reformed in present-day America in order to ensure the safety of both our students and
employees alike?
Possible Art You Will Create: Create a documentary-esque film that addresses the success and
downfall of this Zero Tolerance policy in schools, and introduce a course of action that will
ensure public safety, as well as satisfy both sides of the gun argument.

Dear Mrs. Wickware:

Upon much thoughtful pondering on the matter, I have chosen to address gun-free zones in
schools, and to what extent it contributes to public safety and social progression as my Senior
Project because the firearm debate has always been a fascinating topic to me, and I have
consistently researched the arguments from both sides for years. I am curious to discover even
more about the opposing side from an objective point of view via this sub-issue regarding the
strict no-weapons policy at educational institutions, which may provide insight as to the
intentions of the law and how it holds up in the modern-day learning environment, and most
importantly, the safety of the children around it. Furthermore, I hope to raise awareness in the
community, and subsequently promote some form of action in order to improve its safety and to
eliminate the flaws that would hinder the progression of the lives of countless students and their
will to learn.

This project will be incredibly challenging to me because this will be the first time I will be
undertaking such a highly demanding and mass-scale project. Moreover, should I continue on
with creating a film, this will be my first documentary, as well as my first of my works to be
blatantly charged with a political/social motive as my message to the audience. I will utilize the
techniques of shooting films that I learned in my junior year, as well as take inspiration from
effective examples of documentary filmmaking that I have discovered in studying film at school
and at home. Materials that I will be using are: a script, an HD camcorder, tripod, proper
lighting, a microphone and audio editing software (for voice overs), and professional grade video
editing software. The script itself will be based on the research I have done that I hope will
address the essential questions thoroughly and as accurately as possible. I aim to use images,
found footage, limited use of animation, and interviews that I will have conducted with teachers
and firearms owners alike in order to make my art even more powerful. Through this film, I hope
to find the answers to the origin of gun-free zones, reveal its flaws, and offer a solution that
provides a compromise with both sides. I have selected my Earth Science teacher, Ms. Jones as
my mentor on this project, since her moderate perspective may be a valuable asset in the answers
I seek. Since freshman year, she has been the teacher that I have had the most connection with,
and her ability to objectively speak her mind as a teacher would be a valuable asset in creating
my art piece in a bipartisan manner.

I am excited because this research project will allow me to expand my knowledge on a subject
that I am very familiar with, particularly in a social context within my community and schools
nationwide. There is also potential for me to hone my interviewing and communication skills
within a dedicated and productive environment. I am also positive that by creating my first short
documentary, it will spread my cause to a greater audience via sharing on YouTube. I anticipate
learning more about the good intentions of protecting our children while also promoting ways to
improve their safety in the near future.

I hope this meets with your approval and look forward to your ongoing advice regarding my
project.

Sincerely,

John-Andrew Zacharakis
Period 1

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Mrs. Wickwares signature signifying approval Date of Approval