Debate sharpens critical thinking, builds empathy, and teaches students to understand and respect diverse perspectives—skills vital for leadership and academic success. The OSM Debate Club, held after school, gives students the chance to engage in Policy Debate, equipping them with the tools to analyze real-world issues and communicate effectively.
Who can participate?
Debate is open to all 5th – 8th grade students.
For 8th graders, we recommend at least 1 year of debate experience prior to joining the Debate Club at OSM.
Debate Coaches & Sponsors
Nandita Manglavil will serve as the parent sponsor and head coach, with Ms. Christy Martin, our middle school ELA teacher, as the assistant coach. Together, they will be focusing on this year's Policy debate resolution, working with students at different levels, conducting weekly practices, and workshops, and being available for tournaments, and other debate events.
David Dewane, dad to Rose (6th grade), JV debater, will continue to support as parent sponsor for our OSM Debate Club this year. We will also have other parent sponsors/volunteers/coaches providing support for the program throughout the year and would love your support and involvement.
OSM Alums (current High schoolers) will be volunteering and helping coach Debate this year.
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Kate Kozlowski – OSM Debate Champion and Senior at Walter Payton College Preparatory High School
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Mathew Manglavil – OSM Debate Champion and Freshman at Whitney M. Young Magnet High School
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Brooklyn Bobb – OSM Debate Champion and Freshman at St. Ignatius College Prep
Practice Information
Debate Practice sessions will be at OSM on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30pm – 5:00pm, beginning Tuesday, September 16th. This year, Debate sessions will run from September to March. Anyone joining the debate team will limit the number of sessions they miss during the year and should to be present in at least at one session per week!
Tournament Information
OSM is part of the Midwest Middle School Debate League (MMSDL). Tournaments are all-day events, and debaters are expected to attend the entire day. This year, there will be four tournaments, both in-person and virtual. Coaches, volunteers, and current debaters will provide support. The State Championship, usually by invitation only, is held around March/April (TBD).
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Tournament #1 – October 25th at Avery Coonley School (ACS), Downers Grove
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Tournament #2 – November 15th at OSM, Online
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Tournament #3 – January 10th at TBD
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Tournament #4 – February 28th at TBD
2025-26 Debate Topic
The topic this year is, “Resolved: The United States federal government should significantly increase its exploration and/or development of the Arctic.”
Debaters will learn to argue both the affirmative and negative for each plan.
Student Expectations
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Show up on time, prepared, and ready to learn at practice sessions.
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Debate practice time is not for homework or socializing.
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A break will be given between the end of school and the start of the practice session.
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All necessary debate items will be provided and must be brought to every practice session and tournament.
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Coaches will provide a filing system for core files and help students in school.
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Complete homework assigned by coaches, including learning debate rules, speaker responsibilities, and participating in practice rounds.
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Coaches will assign partners, considering student preferences. Partners may be reassigned if and when necessary.
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Regularly check email for announcements and practice assignments.
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Attend all tournaments and confirm attendance two weeks prior.
Parent Expectations
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Judge Duty: Parents, we need you to judge at least 2 tournaments and attend the judges' training. The league requires a judge for every 2 teams, and we always need more judges. Don't worry, we'll train you and get you ready!
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Filing Help: Please check if your student needs help with filing or refiling documents before each tournament.
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Volunteer: We always need volunteers during tournaments and sometimes during practice sessions. We'd love to have anyone who's available to help out!
For any debate related questions, contact Nandita Manglavil @ ndasmangs@gmail.com.