What’s the Word?
Handling Differences
Students at the high school level are exposed to more things now than ever before.
The many forms of communication and news media available provide them with constant access to what is going on in the world, as well as the different views being expressed about world events and society as a whole. We love when our students become passionate about issues and are grounded in their own personal convictions. Still, it is our constant goal to help our students acknowledge and respect the views and beliefs of others.
Talking to your teen about what they hear and see in the news and online is a great way to help you gauge their awareness and level of empathy towards those around them. Right now there are many groups trying to bring attention to their cause and begging for their voices to be heard. Ask your child if they understand why it is important for everyone in our society to be represented and shown respect. How do they feel about the Black Lives Matter and All Lives Matter movement? Do they think a ban on immigration was appropriate? How do they feel about the current political climate? After discussing their feelings and opinions, help them to examine the opposing side of the issue. Explain to them that even if they do not agree with someone’s beliefs or opinions, they should always strive to look at situations from more than one point of view and always be respectful.
As high schoolers approach college and enter the workforce, they will be exposed to people from all walks of life and encounter people who think and feel differently than they do. It is essential that they know how to communicate with them without giving way to anger or hate.
At a time where it seems disrespect and hate speech are acceptable in the world, we encourage you to help your teen remember that kindness and an open mind is what truly paves the way to success.
Reflecting:
Black History Month at SANHS
To celebrate Black History Month, the staff at Summit Academy North High School put together curriculum and projects that helped our students focus on the many achievements and contributions by African Americans to our country.
Below are just a few of the activities our school did during this special month.
- + Based on the recommendations of his class, our Spanish teacher Mr. Geerlings’ Connect students created Black History Month themed posters to place around the schools.
- + LaVigne’s U.S. History class had lessons focusing on Harlem Renaissance and the many things that African American culture has given to America. They also discussed segregation in the government and the military during WWI and WWII.
- + Guckian’s 10th grade English class put up pictures and quotes from a famous African American each day along with the class agenda. They also started their 3rd unit called “Freedom isn’t Free.” During this unit, they focused on civil rights, civil liberties, and civil injustices. The primary text covered was a Raisin in the Sun.
Exploring your Family Culture at Home
Sharing your heritage and culture with your child can be a very satisfying endeavor.
Even if you are not from a different country, you likely have traditions our values that contribute to the uniqueness of your family. Exploring your family culture can help everyone in your home gain an appreciation for what makes your family special and bring you closer together.
If you are not sure how to discover and celebrate your family’s culture, here are a few suggestions.
- Make a list of what you love about your family. A list will help each of you focus on the positive traits, memories, and traditions that exist in your family. After you have all made a list, share it. Make note of what made everyone’s list and write it on a separate piece of paper. This list will be what makes up your family culture
- If you are from a different country, make a meal together. Even if you are from the U.S., decide on a meal that is a family staple or has significant meaning to your family and make it together. Talk about why this meal is important to your family or heritage.
- Research your ancestry. Digging into your past can bring a new sense of meaning to your family’s culture. Researching your ancestry does not just tell you where you came from; it reminds you of how far you and your family have come.
- Make a time capsule. Let everyone choose one or two items the feel represents your family’s culture to put into the capsule and decide on a later date to open it. A family time capsule is a great way to discover what is important to your family now while also preserving a piece of the present.
Better for Diversity
Helping all our students show their light to the world and grow up as compassionate, free thinking, and respectful individuals is a responsibility we take seriously at Summit Academy.
The diversity in our schools and our commitment to serving a variety of students, no matter their background or situation, is one of the many reasons parents trust us with their children.
With the rise of bullying and disrespect found in other schools, we understand how important it is to provide students with a safe place to learn where they do not have to worry about being themselves and expressing their individuality. Each member of our staff is committed to giving our students the respect they deserve and making sure that they feel welcome in our family. Additionally, our students continue to attend our school because of how easy they find it to fit in and discover friends who they can relate to and form lasting bonds with. At Summit Academy, it is easy for us to show love and respect to our students because anything less is simply not welcome.
Is your child interested in learning about other cultures? Summit Academy North High School boasts a United Cultures Club that helps students promote and celebrate diversity. This quarter, our multicultural club has partnered with Pen Pal Schools for a six week course in which our students will be exploring global issues with other students from around the United States. This is an excellent opportunity for students to gain more global awareness and hear about the world from their peers across the country.
Share Your Thoughts!
This month, we encourage you to tell us why you think Summit Academy is better for diversity. Leave us a comment on our Facebook page with your thoughts and the hashtag #SummitIsBetter.