Students Can Make a Difference

 February feels busier than before. There are many possible explanations.

• It could be because we are solidly in-person, with no hints of shifting to online learning on the horizon. 
• It could be because we are working steadily on our upcoming school concert and I am one of the main organizers. 
• It could be because we just wrapped up writing report cards. 
• It could be because next week, I'll accompany our middle school students on a four-day overnight trip. (In a few weeks, I'll also be traveling to a conference to present.)

It also could be because, despite having fewer clubs at our school, those clubs are busy planning and executing events with the goal of making the world a better place. Let me describe two examples.

Student Council and the BHM Bake Sale

I am not part of our school's Student Council. Two other teachers help support it. I really like how they allow the students to take the lead on projects. One such student initiative was the recent bake sale. The students wanted to do a bake sale, hold it in February, and fundraise for a Black charity. They chose the Ontario Black History Society as the recipient for their fundraising efforts. The group had to be extra cautious because of food allergies but with suggestions from their teacher sponsors, the event was held on Monday February 6 and was a huge success. I think they raised between $500-$600 and sold out by the end of the day. Here is a photo of their offerings. (There were a lot more students involved; they took sales shifts in small groups.)

All Human and the Buddy Bracelet Initiative

Linked with their involvement in the Lincoln Alexander Essay contest and Maple Leaf Sports Entertainment, our students have connected with the MLSE Huddle Up Program. 

The goal of Huddle Up is to prevent bullying, discrimination and racism by promoting a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion, while empowering and encouraging students to take action.

As part of this partnership, the students formed a Huddle Up Student Committee. They've christened their group "All Human". In preparation for the late-March virtual assembly, All Human has adopted a few projects. They helped coordinate the Bell Let's Talk Day for mental health in our school, by supplying class teachers with lessons and activities for their students. The latest goal, which ironically matches up with a recent staff goal, was to re-examine student recognition practices. As we speak, members of All Human are developing the criteria for peer-to-peer recognition. They will then address the classes with a short speech explaining the plan. Using Buddy Bracelets as a physical prize and a "pay it forward" mentality, students will acknowledge each other for acts of kindness, anti-racism and inclusion and publicize it on our virtual announcements. 

We are so fortunate to work with such motivated, socially conscious, hard-working, caring students. We are also so lucky to have staff members willing to support students while allowing them to have agency. It makes for a great combination.