HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-03-14 Youth Forum Sub-Committee Caldwell Youth Forum Subcommittee Meeting APP 0 ED
Meeting Minutes March 14, 2017 cc -7 /
at Caldwell High School
Present: Caldwell High School student attendees: Eric Ramirez, Jaeslin Peterson, Tony Licea. Kelly
Emry, Eric Graves, Cherie Staples, Brandy Smith, Steve Jenkins, Josh Williamson, Ron Bonneau, Angie
Point
Meeting began at 10:06 am. Angie moved to accept the minutes from January 24, 2017. Kelly seconded
the motion. Motion passed.
CHS Student Activities:
Cherie: Jaeslin, Eric, and Tony have really led the effort to make a change. These three got together with
the other Forum attendees to discuss ideas and plans of action, then started the ball rolling to make
something happen.
They thought it was important to get classmen to feel more school spirit and community, especially the
freshmen. At first they tried to get more involvement in school spirit activities, but this didn't seem to work.
They then noticed that there were a lot of negative things being said; and very few kind words. Much
negativity, and they noticed that it hurts those around the speaker more than the one speaking it. "People
don't have enough respect for themselves to respect other people; demeaning terms are often used too
casually." They wanted to create an atmosphere that says 'there's not a problem with who you are, just be
respectful of those who are different.' Students lead other students, and motivate other students; Bukki,
who welcomed students at the beginning of the last Forum, made a big impact on many in general, and
Jaeslin in particular.
Students decided to work on promoting unity and kindness, and to make the school seem more welcoming.
They decided to construct a very large tree on the wall with many branches. "One tree, many branches."
They want to promote different cultures, and show that they are all welcomed into the school. They have
designed a logo and t-shirt. Leaves and paper birds will be added to the tree: names of cultural groups,
clubs, and positive quotes that can be taken off and given to someone who needs a kind/positive word that
day. There are also blank leaves that students and teachers can use to add to the tree. They want other
students and teachers to add to it—to feel welcome to add a group to the tree and give them a place to
belong. Then build up from there.
Jaeslin felt welcomed when she first transferred to CHS, but noted that everyone isolates themselves into
cliques. They want everyone at the school to come together as a community, to become a bigger and
stronger family, because the larger the branches, the stronger they make the tree.
Cherie: Administration is aware of the 'culture problem' and when it is reported, it is handled appropriately.
However, getting the staff to buy in is hard – need staff standing in the halls. Students will often not report
it, because they don't feel 'safe' to tell on others. Students are saying 'we aren't there yet, but we can get
there'. Most students know that there is a city around them that supports and promotes CHS.
Ron asked a few questions: How does the guy who's always by himself get involved with the tree? What if
you made the Caldwell community the tree? And college and community could be leaves or birds on the
tree. When seniors leave, that's where they're going, so that makes them part of the CHS community.
Could students at CHS bring the tree idea to peer schools?
Advice CHS students would offer COSSA peers: don't be afraid to make a change; don't be afraid to make
a difference.
Other business:
School presentations are scheduled for April 17th at 7:00pm, at the beginning of the City Council
meeting. Presentations need not be long —two to three minutes only.
Gem State Academy, Caldwell High School, and Vallivue High School will be presenting their 'take action'
items. COSSA is not yet ready, but will be working on something.
Steve commented that students tend to jump on the negativity bandwagon, because they don't want to be
'different'. So they try to adhere to some stigma —what is put into their mind as 'normal'. Tradition and
sense of belonging are huge. We need to find ways that students can buy into the positive changes that are
needed.
Ron: Keep April 17th on the calendar for City Council presentations. But don't stop there, keep it going —
maybe CHS and VHS could take their ideas to some of their local peer schools.
Steve motioned/Angie seconded to adjourn the meeting at 11:10 am. The next meeting will be on Tuesday
May 9th at 10 am at the YMCA, 3720 S. Indiana Ave, Caldwell.
Respectfully submitted,
Angie Point