Update from Jonelle Harris

This school year begins our third year for “Students for Change!” The idea for this group was the brainchild of a Community School alumna, Janae Harris. Janae came to me back in 2019 with the idea of starting a group for 5th and 6th grade students that would provide a space where they could take a deeper dive into discussions about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Janae visited both grade levels to share her idea and provide an opportunity for students to sign up. The response was overwhelming! It was really powerful to see so many students eager to be a part of this group. One of the many great things about “Students for Change” is that we are not only engaging in thoughtful discussions but also providing opportunities for the students to develop leadership and critical thinking skills. During these unprecedented times, when our students are dealing with the impact of the pandemic, civil unrest, and messaging from the media, this group provides a safe opportunity to engage in conversation and gain insight into the issues around them. They are also able to walk away with resources that can help them navigate various topics. Sarah McCarthy (5th grade teacher) and I cofacilitate this group together. We are there to help guide the discussion, but we really allow the students to take the lead. All of the topics we cover come directly from the students. We always start our first meeting by asking them what they would like to talk about and what they would like to gain from being a part of this group. We want to make sure that this is completely driven by the student’s interests. We have had some very rich conversations, and I have been very impressed by how well our 5th and 6th grade students are able to navigate some of these difficult topics.

Jonelle Harris and Sarah McCarthy with the 2021-2022 “Students for Change.”