Westside Middle School Students Learn about Diversity and Inclusion
In the new Westside Middle School auditorium, students sat quietly and attentively as they watched a presentation by members of the WMS IncluCity Middle group. The students on the stage read facts about historical events and shared information about people who were targeted throughout history because of their race, appearance and religion. During a question and answer session following the presentation, students had an opportunity to further discuss these issues. The presentation was part of an ongoing effort by Westside Middle School to teach students about inclusion and diversity.
Westside Middle School administrators arranged this performance as part of the school’s relationship with the Conference for Inclusive Communities. Westside Middle School principal Steve Schrad says, “These presentations help in our understanding and awareness that we are in a diverse school community with a variety of religions, races and ethnic groups.”
IncluCity Middle is made up of a diverse group of 7th and 8th grade students – leaders within their own peer groups who were chosen to participate in the IncluCity program. Westside Middle School is the first middle school in Nebraska to participate in the training offered by the Conference for Inclusive Communities. WMS students who were selected to be a part of this group participated in a one-day retreat, to talk about the “isms” in society, such as racism, and sexism. The group meets monthly to talk about school activities that promote inclusion. Westside Middle School students have participated in this program for the past year. Westside High School students have participated in IncluCity for the past 10 years.
Westside Middle School teacher and IncluCity Middle advisor Kristen Job adds, “I hope this presentation starts and continues a discussion that any kind of discrimination or prejudice won’t be tolerated. Westside Middle School has been doing diversity work for years. Clearly, there continues to be a need for this kind of work, not just at Westside, but throughout Omaha.”
The presentation is one of just a number of planned activities at the middle school to teach students about inclusion and diversity. Additionally, the school offers regular social skills lessons based on the Boys Town Model, with topics ranging from cyber bullying, accepting others, following instructions and understanding rules. Additionally, the school promotes several events, including “Mix-it-Up” activities.
In the new Westside Middle School auditorium, students sat quietly and attentively as they watched a presentation by members of the WMS IncluCity Middle group. The students on the stage read facts about historical events and shared information about people who were targeted throughout history because of their race, appearance and religion. During a question and answer session following the presentation, students had an opportunity to further discuss these issues. The presentation was part of an ongoing effort by Westside Middle School to teach students about inclusion and diversity.
Westside Middle School administrators arranged this performance as part of the school’s relationship with the Conference for Inclusive Communities. Westside Middle School principal Steve Schrad says, “These presentations help in our understanding and awareness that we are in a diverse school community with a variety of religions, races and ethnic groups.”
IncluCity Middle is made up of a diverse group of 7th and 8th grade students – leaders within their own peer groups who were chosen to participate in the IncluCity program. Westside Middle School is the first middle school in Nebraska to participate in the training offered by the Conference for Inclusive Communities. WMS students who were selected to be a part of this group participated in a one-day retreat, to talk about the “isms” in society, such as racism, and sexism. The group meets monthly to talk about school activities that promote inclusion. Westside Middle School students have participated in this program for the past year. Westside High School students have participated in IncluCity for the past 10 years.
Westside Middle School teacher and IncluCity Middle advisor Kristen Job adds, “I hope this presentation starts and continues a discussion that any kind of discrimination or prejudice won’t be tolerated. Westside Middle School has been doing diversity work for years. Clearly, there continues to be a need for this kind of work, not just at Westside, but throughout Omaha.”
The presentation is one of just a number of planned activities at the middle school to teach students about inclusion and diversity. Additionally, the school offers regular social skills lessons based on the Boys Town Model, with topics ranging from cyber bullying, accepting others, following instructions and understanding rules. Additionally, the school promotes several events, including “Mix-it-Up” activities.
