At the 29th Annual University of Wisconsin-System, Women’s Studies Conference, former PLSAS Superintendent, Dr. Teri Staloch (8/2015-6/2022) lead a workshop session called “Constructing the Activist Classroom.” The description of this workshop states that it was “a panel focusing on feminist approaches to building classroom communities that offer students tools to connect academic theories and pedagogies to activist practices.”
Activist practices…
What does an activist classroom look like? Who becomes part of these classroom communities? What theories and pedagogies are being connected to activist practices?
Are activist classrooms being constructed in Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools?
Based on the number of walkouts and lockdown notices sent out to PLSAS parents last year, it is easy for a person to assume that there is indeed activism being encouraged in our schools. One walkout even drew outside agitators, one of whom was illegally carrying a firearm on school property. Is this what is best for our CHILDREN?
In an article titled Help Your Child Avoid Negative Language, the author writes that “Using positive language is the master key to healthy human relationships.” If this is indeed true, wouldn’t the halls and classrooms of our schools be much better suited to encourage positivity and kindness rather than constantly presenting children with negative phrases that foster shame and division? A safe learning environment begins with a welcoming atmosphere that encourages growth and success.
Imagine walking into your place on employment and starting everyday with negative words and phrases like THREAT, AGAINST, HATE and RACISM. Is this a welcoming environment for a child?
We cannot expect our children to grow socially and academically if we do not refocus their attention on the future and the value and importance of being a good person. Teaching children that they must identify and separate themselves into groups based on their differences is not the way to build a solid community. Children should be encouraged to find ways to connect through shared interests and teach them to help each other succeed.
Vote 4 POSITIVE CHANGE in November.
“Change is painful, but nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere you don’t belong.”
Mandy Hale