The 7th-grade US History, students have worked hard on their Coded Spy Letter Project over the past two weeks.

Students had a "Fountain Pen 101" class that introduced them to how to write and handle a fountain pen, the importance of the nib and tines for controlling the ink flow, and finding what is called the "sweet spot" where the proper holding of the pen at the right angle to the paper allows for smooth writing.

Some of the project's outcomes included students developing a deeper understanding of handwriting during the Colonial Era and the importance of George Washington as the first United States Spymaster. Additionally, students learned how the Culper Spy Ring made a difference in the outcome of the Revolutionary War in favor of the Patriots and the Continental Army. These students can now attest that they have developed an appreciation of the time and effort it took to write a coded spy letter!