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CWS?

By Berlinda Mojica: CWS. Lately, these letters have been thrown around the school. However, the majority seems to be clueless. What does it stand for? What is it? The whats are driving me crazy! CHS, be prepared to be informed.

CWS stands for Change Within our School. This group came together as the result of a series of workshops held at school by some students (including myself) who had attended a retreat that focused on social justice. Our first workshop examined the pervasive sexism in our society that goes unnoticed by most. For example, lyrics that we listen to degrade women and men, but we still listen. In the workforce, women are sometimes passed over for promotion and often receive lower pay than men. We were amazed to see so many faces show up to that workshop. With those wonderful results we continued.

In our next workshop we invited Brookline High School students to converse with our classmates about racism. Our eyes opened to the unspoken racism existing in our school communities. If you were there, you would see the similarities between our school and Brookline High. At Brookline High, an invisible line divides the cafeteria. To the left you see a wave of black students to the right you see a wave of white. Although students choose to segregate themselves it looks like a throwback in history!

At CHS, the divisions are not as clear, but unspoken racism is still among us. Think about our cafeteria. Who sits where? Why do they sit there? Are we not divided and ranked in status based on our ethnicity and citizenship? Are we letting politics influence our actions in school? THINK!

Those workshops formed CWS. Now CWS is working towards creating a friendlier environment in our school. We wish to come together with every individual - staff and students - to work towards a more stimulating, efficient, and friendly learning experience.

On June 4th we had a meeting with the teachers. Students and teachers had the opportunity to share insight with one another. The atmosphere of the workshop was so calm and friendly. Teachers blended in with the students. It was not like during school hours, when teachers wield authority. We were all on the same level.

Our group is focusing on creating change for our school community. We share one thing. We believe that this one thing could improve or society. That one thing is UNITY. We invite you to unite as an individual. If you want to get involved, please speak to Mr. Weinberg in Room 2205 or with Austin Hightower, Myr-Helene Boyer, Claudia Montan or me.

Article posted to chs.chelseaschools.com: .

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