Dear 7th and 8th Grade Families,

This year, our 7th and 8th grade students have worked hard, online and in person, to explore their own racial identities, learn more about how systemic racism is embedded into America’s past, and interrogate how racism shows up in our communities in the present day. Now, it is time to turn our eyes toward the future.

Next week, via Zoom, students will have the chance to convene in order to discuss how we can make change in the community. Students will discuss action-oriented questions in breakout spaces with the goal of increasing students’ collective activism and cultivating hope for the future.

Connections to our classes:

Throughout 7th and 8th grade students have been studying various texts that dive into the themes of systemic racism, activism, and social justice. Even more so than in a traditional school year, students have had the opportunity to learn separately, which has brought many of our students, as the school’s leaders, to the question: what’s next? Many have asked, “how can we use our power as students to actually make change happen?” Ideas and transformative change often arise in community – which is the purpose of “The Convening”. This will be a space where students can meet to reflect, discuss, and move forward social justice and change within our community.

Process:

1. Students have been learning about this in various ways, depending on their ELA/SS/Humanities classes. Teachers from both grade levels worked together to create the content for “The Convening.”

2. Students will be asked to agree to expectations for courageous spaces before receiving the Zoom link to attend. This ensures that students and families are on the same page about our promise to facilitate the space in a way that will allow students to be brave and share their truths. We are committed to doing this and take these expectations seriously. PLEASE MAKE SURE TO REVIEW WITH YOUR STUDENT. Also please note, this is an optional event for students.

3. Several core and elective teachers will be present to facilitate “The Convening” with students. There will not be any Breakout Rooms that do not have adult facilitation. During the Zoom there will be time for:

   1. Individual reflection

   2. Full group discussion

   3. Small group discussions

Please reach out to me with any questions or concerns! We look forward to seeing many of your students there!