On
March 14, West Middle School joined in many schools around the country in a
student protest movement centered on the tragic school shooting in Florida. Being
a middle school, we did not hear of or expect much of a response, but as time
came near, we made a plan.
At
9:45, the West staff had student-led Restorative Circle conversations on school
safety, respecting the rights of all opinions, giving every student a voice and
then using this tragedy as a civics lesson. We encouraged students to be actively
engaged citizens who are knowledgeable about multiple viewpoints surrounding
current events and teaching them how to participate in our democracy in a
variety of ways such as writing lawmakers, creative works that express how they
feel and writing personal notes to victim’s families.
The
students led conversations, the staff remained neutral and students were given
a choice on their participation. Our one restriction was letting students go
outside for safety reasons, but even then, we had great conversations and with
almost 800 students, very student walked through the halls of West in total
silence for 10-17 minutes (student choice), and then returned to class to
finish their conversations. I am so proud of the staff and students at West for
showing such respect for the victims and for our school.
Trish
Kaechele
Principal
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