September 2nd, 2017
21ST CENTURY CLASSROOM
Maple Run makes a difference
Peer leaders launch year two of the ‘A World of Difference’ program
By JAMILAH VOGEL
Special to the Messenger
ST. ALBANS — For a handful of dedicated Maple Run students, the last glorious days of summer vacation were spent volunteering to make a difference in our schools.
On August 28 and 29, students from St. Albans City School, St. Albans Town Education Center and Fairfield Center School gathered at St. Albans City School for a two-day peer leadership training through the Anti-Defamation League’s A World of Difference (AWOD) program.
Peer leadership groups will conduct anti-bias education at their individual campuses before reconnecting at the high school. The A World of Difference program was initiated in 1985 as a continuation of the Anti-Defamation League’s larger goal to combat bias and prejudice and advocate equal treatment for all people.
Students learn facilitation skills and engaging activities to guide peers and adults in examining their own identities and biases, preventing meanness and harassment, and becoming better allies.
Monday morning started with sleepy faces, unsure of what to expect. By Tuesday afternoon all were feeling inspired and Addie Collin was recommending the program, “I think that more students should join to help different schools.”
Camden Johnson said “It was fun,” and Nicole Trahan and Lexi Smith agree that AWOD is a “great way to meet new people.”
This year’s trainees will join veteran peer leaders to continue creating a climate of acceptance and appreciation for difference through group games, lively discussion, role playing and practicing new skills.
It was inspiring to see youth across our districts dedicating days of their summer break to learn how to affect change in their schools.
Emily Parent said she joined the group for her ninth year as a St. Albans City School student “to leave a lasting mark of kindness,” and with a brother entering second grade, she “would love to help create a school for him and others where everyone feels safe.”
Another promising peer leader, Pilot Deslaurier, “thought this would be a good way to help schools in St. Albans.” He also mentions that the experience would be good for his college application and “a good future.”
In the spirit of unification, conversations about bringing the groups from each school together for a reunion had started already on Monday. Faculty advisors, Don Fagnant, Kelly Sargent, Rose Bedard, Alan Salit and Jamilah Vogel will share resources, successes and challenges to strengthen the program as a whole and work toward a holistic vision for all of our children The enthusiasm, willingness and passion of the kids was an affirmation that together we can make a difference for all. --Jamilah Vogel is a school counselor at St. Albans City School.
Maple Run makes a difference
Peer leaders launch year two of the ‘A World of Difference’ program
By JAMILAH VOGEL
Special to the Messenger
ST. ALBANS — For a handful of dedicated Maple Run students, the last glorious days of summer vacation were spent volunteering to make a difference in our schools.
On August 28 and 29, students from St. Albans City School, St. Albans Town Education Center and Fairfield Center School gathered at St. Albans City School for a two-day peer leadership training through the Anti-Defamation League’s A World of Difference (AWOD) program.
Peer leadership groups will conduct anti-bias education at their individual campuses before reconnecting at the high school. The A World of Difference program was initiated in 1985 as a continuation of the Anti-Defamation League’s larger goal to combat bias and prejudice and advocate equal treatment for all people.
Students learn facilitation skills and engaging activities to guide peers and adults in examining their own identities and biases, preventing meanness and harassment, and becoming better allies.
Monday morning started with sleepy faces, unsure of what to expect. By Tuesday afternoon all were feeling inspired and Addie Collin was recommending the program, “I think that more students should join to help different schools.”
Camden Johnson said “It was fun,” and Nicole Trahan and Lexi Smith agree that AWOD is a “great way to meet new people.”
This year’s trainees will join veteran peer leaders to continue creating a climate of acceptance and appreciation for difference through group games, lively discussion, role playing and practicing new skills.
It was inspiring to see youth across our districts dedicating days of their summer break to learn how to affect change in their schools.
Emily Parent said she joined the group for her ninth year as a St. Albans City School student “to leave a lasting mark of kindness,” and with a brother entering second grade, she “would love to help create a school for him and others where everyone feels safe.”
Another promising peer leader, Pilot Deslaurier, “thought this would be a good way to help schools in St. Albans.” He also mentions that the experience would be good for his college application and “a good future.”
In the spirit of unification, conversations about bringing the groups from each school together for a reunion had started already on Monday. Faculty advisors, Don Fagnant, Kelly Sargent, Rose Bedard, Alan Salit and Jamilah Vogel will share resources, successes and challenges to strengthen the program as a whole and work toward a holistic vision for all of our children The enthusiasm, willingness and passion of the kids was an affirmation that together we can make a difference for all. --Jamilah Vogel is a school counselor at St. Albans City School.