In the new Westside Middle School auditorium, students sat attentively as they watched a presentation by members of the school’s IncluCity Middle group.
The students on the stage read facts about historical events and shared information about people who were targeted in the past because of their race, appearance or religion. A question-and-answer session followed.
The program was part of an ongoing effort by the school to teach students about inclusion and diversity.
“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,” said Principal Steve Schrad.
A diverse group of seventh- and eighth-grade students was chosen to participate in IncluCity Middle.
Westside Middle is the first middle school in Nebraska to participate in the training offered by the Conference for Inclusive Communities. The students selected for this group participated in a one-day retreat to talk about the “isms” in society, such as racism and sexism. The students now meet monthly to talk about school activities that promote inclusion.
Westside Middle School students have participated in this program for a year. Westside High students have participated for 10 years.
The middle school presentation was one of several activities teaching about inclusion and diversity. The school also offers regular social skills lessons based on the Boys Town model, with topics including cyberbullying, accepting others, following instructions and understanding rules.
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