CARLSBAD UNIFIED CONNECTIONS

Carlsbad High School is nationally acclaimed for its school spirit and Loud Crowd. It involves students in a wealth of athletics, extracurriculars, and Kids For Peace activities. Yet, even in the best of schools, there are some who don’t always feel welcome or safe.

A group of CHS students are trying to fix that. These are the student members of the school’s No Place for Hate (NPFH) Committee. They seek to improve the school culture by working to protect all students from harassment and bullying on campus. They meet after school, planning campus-wide activities that inspire an added level of understanding and awareness in CHS students so that all students can feel safe and accepted.

What has prompted them to stay late working on campus while the other kids have gone home for the day? This is what they tell you.

“I have experienced negative behaviors at school, and I want to support and protect others.”

“We all belong here. We are trying to improve the culture at our school, make it OK to be ourselves.”

“I want to develop a sense of community for all students. We have the power to change what is. No one should feel judged or harassed for who they are.”

“I'm different, and sometimes it's an awful feeling. You can lose your friends. I want everyone to feel comfortable about who they are.”

“People cross boundaries. Sometimes they tell mean jokes. No matter what your heritage, or religion, or abilities, you should feel respected at school.”

“Awareness is the first step, but it's a journey. I hope that if we do this work now, things will be different for the next generation.”

CHS Assistant Principal Aimee Nava, the faculty advisor for the NPFH Committee and its student members, recently held a panel discussion at a CHS staff meeting to discuss ways teachers can raise awareness and deter harassment and bullying on campus. The students described their monthly campus-wide activities – the topics include Heritage, Bias, and Bullying.-- that they were planning for Advisory class. And they sought the staff’s input.

So, at the upcoming staff meeting on December 16, the Committee students plan to give “Teacher Glow Awards” to spotlight teachers who have done great jobs of being supportive and open to all students in their classrooms. The awards are meant to let these teachers know that students appreciate their help and encouragement.

The students explained why the award recipients were selected. One “personalizes the Advisory activity, encouraging students to participate.” Another “makes an effort to be sure that students feel safe in their classrooms.” A third “has a personal connection with everyone in the classroom, and is always checking in with us.”

In addition, on January 23 a panel of the NPFH students will be interviewed on CHSTV to discuss their activities on campus and explain how they aim to bring about awareness and keep the campus climate welcoming. And in February there will be an Inclusivity assembly for the whole school.

“The students and staff involved in our No Place for Hate efforts have not only been leaders on their campus--they have been leaders in the district,” said Michael Ecker, Coordinator, Student Services. “Ms. Nava's leadership has been critical to this work. Their team has shared their work with staff members across the district and with parents in the community. CHS No Place for Hate student committee members have presented at district meetings and helped run No Place for Hate activities at elementary schools.”

“Our goal is that students can walk around on campus without hearing insults or being harassed,” said Ms. Nava. “We all share a sense of responsibility that under our watch kids will not be harassed or bullied, but will be safe and feel that they belong here at CHS.”