Coatesville Community & Parents: What We the Students at CASD Need

In order to positively affect the future of our district, we must pay attention and speak when we feel things are unjust. In order to express our feelings and to inspire other students to speak, we must write. There are so many issues that have been conspired through our district and they must be improved upon. Our topics are the lack of support systems for students, the absence of motivation in our students, and the future of leveling throughout the district.

Our district seemingly wants to utilize statistics, but the million-dollar question is why aren’t they taking take a survey or poll on support systems in schools? I, Nariyah Wilson, took it upon myself to conduct my own survey. My poll asked various questions dealing with the support systems for students and the lack of adaptation for student learning. Majority of the students answered that there is little to no support from the principals. “I feel like they only listen when something’s about to go down.” I asked the same question regarding the teachers, and I received similar responses. However, my results showed teachers were viewed as being more supportive. “Sometimes, rarely, depends, and more than principals.” I completely understand our principals and guidance counselors are not always available. This is NOT an excuse to not have the needed support for growing adolescent brains. How do we expect our students to feel the most comfortable and cared for if they get NO support from their superiors?

The addition of school psychologists and peer mediation could easily provide good outlets for our students. Coatesville previously had school psychologists, so there should be no issue in bringing them back. Jeffrey Kauffman (Vice President) and I were completely unaware that not every student is able to schedule an appointment with the mental health specialists. We were shocked. What is the reason behind this? Before the end of the school year, Jeffrey and I, had a meeting with Mr. Chenger discussing the future with peer mediation. He stated that they are working on bringing this method to our district.

“We are in mourning over the loss of support our students need and deserve...” Mrs. Ritter recently told the school board on behalf of all teachers. We believe any advice or help given by administrators or teachers is given with fear. Our superiors are not able to speak their truth because they are simply too afraid to lose their jobs. What is this teaching our students? That it is wrong to speak our minds or speak what’s truly on our hearts? Support systems are very crucial for teenagers; our students would truly appreciate a free atmosphere where we feel we can fully express ourselves without being penalized.

Think of a student who has a strong, personal connection with his/her teacher, talks with his/her teacher frequently, and receives more practical guidance rather than just criticism from the teacher. That student is more inclined to trust the teacher more, present more engagement in learning, behave better in class, and achieve higher levels academically.

Additionally, and most likely connected, there is a severe lack of motivation throughout our students, and I can speak on this firsthand. Our building, the Intermediate High School, has an extreme absence of anything relating to fun or entertainment. I can honestly say my freshman year was one of the worse years of my schooling career. Unless you do extracurricular activities, all you have is the homecoming experience.

Introducing enjoyable events for students can simply increase the motivation levels. Mr. Chenger agreed to a meeting with the rising sophomore student reps at the end of the year. In this meeting, we talked about various topics including; recycling, spring fling, an Intermediate pep rally, a charity basketball event, an Intermediate field day, an art club and many more enthusiastic subjects. These additions can effortlessly increase the school spirit for ALL our students.

Also, our students skip classes because they aren’t motivated- they also don’t receive any discipline. They truly don’t understand what they are learning in classes where it moves to fast. In the Intermediate High, there is only Algebra I (Academic) and no choice for honors Algebra. This does not allow the students who can easily ace academic Algebra to succeed. This also makes it harder for our teachers when everybody is learning at a different pace. The removal of the Pre-AP courses is a horrible idea that we believe the district should rethink. The excuse for taking out this course is because Pre-AP is for middle school is inaccurate according to college board. Also, all students shouldn't be expected to be prepared for AP courses because they are taking an honors class. I believe they should keep the option of this course for the students who are not ready for AP - or an AP is not available yet- but feel they can easily ace an honors course. The district is setting our students up to fail with the lack of choice for their courses.

This school district can be great. We have great students, educators, parents, guardians, and an amazing community to back us up. The district now is not in a good place and it starts with the LEADERS.

Further Questions asked via my Instagram poll (and CCAP poll conducted simultaneously )

What can teachers/ what do teachers do to build better relationships with students?

“Listening to their opinions and their thoughts and just see where they’re coming from”.
“Be more open have more conversations, not just ‘here’s a worksheet’ or ‘watch a video’”.
“If a kid seems off just check up on them”
“Possibly take a more personal approach when teaching us”
“Being personable; make themselves available before and after school to talk/help” CCAP
“Don’t be afraid to stray from the curriculum to hold needed open & honest conversations” “CCAP
“Care. Be more passionate” CCAP
“Spend less time having to discipline the bad kids every day” CCAP
“Playing favorites is a big part of why teachers can’t connect with most students” CCAP
"They care about each and every student and take time to get to know each one of them" CCAP
"They are doing the best they can with what they are given" CCAP