by Gabriella HartlaubIt’s no secret that a lot of students have been struggling with the transition to virtual learning, and sometimes feel like they have no avenue to share their comments and concerns with their teachers. The Junior Board attempted to remedy this with a forum for junior students and staff held two weeks ago on November 4th. This event was planned to allow a conversation to happen between students and staff, and for students to propose solutions for issues that they are facing.
The idea came from the junior board members, who wanted there to be an open line of communication between students and staff. “We know that a lot of staff members are looking for student interaction on their lessons,” Vice President Jordyn Czyzewski said, “So we wanted to give the students a chance to give that feedback in an environment where they were less nervous.” Before the event, students signed up to speak on a google from where they listed their area of concern and their name so that they could easily be called upon during the meeting. Overall, about ten students were able to speak to a panel of teachers that included Mr. Tillman, Ms. Briethbarth, Mr. Murphy, Ms. Jamieson and representing the administration, Ms. Sato. Going into the event, Junior Board President Daisy Kiekopher expected it, “to be hard to talk to everyone at first. Mental health is a topic that has had serious taboo for years. Only recently has it been acknowledged as a true problem in our community.” Student stress was a topic that was talked about multiple times, with both staff and students giving out solutions and support to try and remedy the epidemic of stress that students are feeling during virtual learning. Student’s spoke about their own struggles with virtual learning, things that did and did not work for them, and offered solutions to the panel. Teachers also shared things they have been struggling with during this virtual semester, offering the floor to students to give suggestions for them as well. When asked if she considered this event a success, Ms. Czyzewski said, “I think it was a success. We wanted students to be able to communicate with staff in an effective way which they did.” Ms. Kiekopher agreed adding, “I’m hoping this is the first step of many to help students and teachers adapt to digital learning.” The junior board hopes to hold more events like this in the future, and possibly go into the holding board meetings that are open to the junior class to make their voices heard. “Virtual learning is not going to work unless everyone is in constant communication with each other," President of the Board, Daisy Kiekopher, said, “I believe we’re making progress in adapting effectively to digital learning. We have a long way to go, but if we want to support our students and value their mental health, we can’t stop looking for a solution.”
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by Maria Patterson On November 17, 2020 Reagan had it’s first Freshman Lunch of the 2020 school year. Around 60 Freshman participated and got to join in on the fun. Some people watched Anime, played Among Us, and participated in Kahoot. Of course this experience wouldn’t have happened without the Freshman Board and one member was so kind to speak out.
After interviewing Suheidy Montenegro Nevarez, a member from Freshman Board, we got to learn more about the behind the scenes and we got insight on someone who participated both in Freshman Board and Freshman Lunch. Suheidy worked with the Among Us group and had nothe=ing but good things to say. By participating, she got to meet new people and make friends just like other participants. The interactions were great and it was an awesome way to communicate with friends and classmates. Suheidy joined the Freshman Board with the experience and interactions. She wanted to take part of this amazing opportunity and just wanted to participate. As this was a great way to communicate, this is a great way to meet your classmates. It’s hard making friends in a virtual world, so joining these lunches is the perfect way to meet new people. Let’s take a deeper dive into the process of creating the lunches. According to Suheidy, the Freshman Lunch took about 1-2 weeks to devise. She said that after all the stress of putting together the lunch, it was nice to have fun. It was an exciting way to meet new classmates and see old friends. If you would like to be a part of Freshman lunch, stay tuned because there may be one coming your way! by Maria PattersonDuring the school year, students at Reagan can join endless different clubs ranging from the Art Club to the Yearbook. One club that is special and dear to many is the Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA). This club explores the importance of LGBTQ+ rights and creates a safe place for people who are part of the LGBTQ+ community and/or support the community. GSA adds value to the Reagan community and helps to support the students who are in search of a place where they are safe and are encouraged to be themselves. UWM Graduate, Ms.Loos, is advising GSA this year and says, “I have always tried to be involved in some way.” Many students can say the same with regards to GSA. GSA helps inform our community at Reagan and keeps us connected and reminds us that we are together. We need to address LGBTQ+ injustices now. Administrations are making an effort to establish difficulties for the LGBTQ+ community to access health insurance, and are trying to force transgender individuals to use facilities they don’t necessarily want to use. These issues need to be resolved, and we need to take advantage of our voices being heard and you can make a change by joining GSA. While interviewing Governor Tony Evers about LGBTQ+ rights he said, “Diversity makes us stronger as a society.” He is right. As a society, we need to be inclusive. We need to care about others and stand up for our friends and family. After all, we all bleed the same blood. Supporting the LGBTQ+ community is very important to countless people. Maybe you’re like Ms.Loos and supporting the community is important to you because you are surrounded by the presence of the community. Or maybe you are part of the community. Either way, it is key to accept yourself and support others. Many people have fought for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, and LGBTQ+ rights haven’t been around for very long. For example, gay marriage was finally legalized on July 26, 2015. That just over 5 years ago! Yet, people still have to fight for equality. Two years ago the pride flag had flown for the first time in the Capitol and will continue to do so. This was a small step, but essential to show how important advocating really is. Little things do mean a lot. That is why supporting the community is significant. It shows that we care about the people around us. According to the National Education Association, “While some students are open about their LGBTQ identity at school, only 21% are out at home.” This is why we need to be open and caring to our community here at Reagan, to let each other know that who they are is okay. As claimed by Mental Health America, “Sixty percent of LGBT students did not report incidents to school staff. One-third who reported an incident said the staff did nothing in response.” At Reagan, we have lots of support systems and we need you to know that we are here for you. If something is happening and you don’t know how to deal with it, reach out. If you can’t, visit https://www.thetrevorproject.org/ for the LGBTQ+ helpline. Additional resources include https://www.glbthotline.org/talkline.html, https://lgbtqia.ucdavis.edu/support/hotlines, and https://www.youthline.ca/. After asking Gov. Tony Evers, “Do you think supporting the [LGBTQ+] community has helped your career as Governor,” he replied, “Some people would say no.” And he’s right, supporting the LGBTQ+ community isn’t a priority to some. First, let’s take a look into what homophobia is. Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines homophobia as the irrational fear of, aversion to, or discrimination against homosexuality or homosexuals. There is also biphobia (“...fear, hatred, discomfort, or mistrust, specifically of people who are bisexual,” says Planned Parenthood) and transphobia (“...fear, hatred, discomfort with, or mistrust of people who are transgender, genderqueer, or don’t follow traditional gender norms,” Planned Parenthood explains). Many people have these phobias and Ms. Loos says, “A lot of close-mindedness comes from misunderstanding.” To prevent homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia, we can educate our community and make sure that people have a strong understanding of homosexuality, bisexuality, transsexuality, pansexuality, asexuality, etc. GSA members and extra are here for any questions you may have and we are here to educate Reagan. As Tony Evers said in response to supporting the LGBTQ+ community, “It’s just the right thing.” And, it is. We are stronger as a community if we know that we can rely on each other. If you would like to join GSA, we meet every other Monday from 1-1:30. The Google Classroom the code is gk3dpy6. We look forward to seeing you! As Freddie Mercury once said, “Don’t be afraid to show off your true colors.” |