Activism
Student Union celebrates new supports for students
Activism around the city
Student Union celebrates new supports for students
Students at ten neighborhood high schools will have a new source of support in their schools this fall as a result of the research and organizing efforts of high school students in the Philadelphia Student Union.
The result of months of working with the School District's Office of High Schools on ways that schools can support - rather than criminalize - students, the newly established Student Success Centers at these schools will offer students help with school- and non-school-related problems.
The centers will offer a wide range of supports from professional counseling services to help with rostering problems. Each center will also be staffed by a social worker or, in some cases, a coordinator and will also develop a cadre of student volunteers who are trained in peer counseling and mediation. Students will receive school credit for their work at the centers.
"We feel like this is one of the biggest victories we've ever had," said Student Union Director Eric Braxton.
Led by members from the Bartram High School chapter, the Student Union developed a proposal for the centers in response to surveys they conducted. Surveys showed that nearly 70 percent of students said that no one in school provides support for their personal problems, and over 40 percent of students in neighborhood high schools had never met with a counselor. Students also found that such lack of supports contributes significantly to high school students dropping out of school.
For more information, contact the Philadelphia Student Union at 215-546-3290.
Student-run survey calls for school improvements
Philadelphia high school students say they want more activities in class that get them excited about learning, more individual attention from teachers, and safer school environments, according to a recent survey of more than 239 high school students representing 55 high schools, conducted by students themselves.
The survey was conducted this summer by participants in the Youth VOICESýSummer Academy, a six-week summer program for youths from across Philadelphia run by the University Community Collaborative of Philadelphia at Temple University. Students in the summer program researched issues in education and developed short-term projects that responded to what they found.
Projects included running a summer program for elementary school students, researching and writing a pamphlet on student perspectives on how to improve the Philadelphia public schools, and filming a video on gang conflict.
The survey findings won't have time to collect dust - VOICES students will work with Temple students this year to develop plans to address the issues raised in the survey.
Students' research has been revealing for youth participants and adults alike. Summer Academy Director Catie Cavanaugh said the project has shown students the power of research in making change. Moreover, Cavanaugh said, "It's given a voice to those who are least consulted yet most profoundly impacted by education policy."
For more information, please contact Catie Cavanaugh at catiec@temple.edu or 215-204-6185.
Coalition speaks up on beverage contract
Members of the Philadelphia Coalition for Healthy Children (PCHC) have been pressuring the School District to adhere to healthy nutrition standards and limit student access to sweetened beverages in schools.
PCHC members began organizing after a May School Reform Commission meeting revealed that the Commission was reviewing proposals for an exclusive soft drink beverage contract that could increase the number of school vending machines.
In June, PCHC met with Philadelphia City Council members and Pennsylvania House Speaker John Perzel to build political support for their cause. A resulting City Council resolution urged the SRC to hold public hearings on the sale of sweetened beverages in public schools.
At the August public hearings, the majority of the more than 30 parents, nutrition experts, teachers, and child advocates who spoke called on the SRC to ban sales of sugary drinks in schools and promote healthier eating habits among students.
Cecilia James, PCHC supporter and public school cafeteria worker, urged the SRC to put student health above its financial concerns.
"The District needs to step up to the plate and show concern that goes beyond the bottom line," said James.
According to District spokesman Vincent Thompson, the SRC is studying the public testimony given at the beverage contract hearings, and the current beverage contracts will remain in place until the Commission votes on the issue.
The Greater Philadelphia Food Trust, a nonprofit advocacy organization, spearheads the coalition, which represents seven local nutrition and health advocacy groups.
For more information, call the Food Trust at 215-568-0830 or visit www.thefoodtrust.org.