ETR students showcase academics, arts and service as public urges updated bullying policy

Eighth-grade students from ET Richardson Middle School told the Springfield School District Board on Oct. 24 that academics, arts, service and athletics are central to their school experience, and one public commenter urged the board to update its bullying policy.

At the start of the public-information portion of the meeting, Yasser Washington, a member of the student council, described classroom and curricular updates including a new math series that "combines both digital and print resources" and exchange-student visits to German classes. He also noted upcoming student events including a production of Edgar Allan Poe at the Hegarow Theatre and a Turkey Fund turkey trot on Nov. 20.

Danielle Cobb, also an eighth-grader, highlighted performing-arts participation and announced the school musical "Frozen Junior" with performances Nov. 22–24. Elise Finnegan reviewed athletics and extracurricular growth, saying the cross-country club has 22 members and reminding the public of Halloween Fun Night on Oct. 25.

Olivia Dixon described student-led service projects and the newly formed kindness club, which will meet Nov. 4 in Room 172. She said ETR is implementing a restorative practices program "which engages [students] in reflection regarding their behavior," and noted that Officer Graff of the Springfield Police Department is presenting to grades on bullying awareness and prevention.

Earlier in the public-comment period, Renee Dixon said she is "very vocal about the bullying problems at ETR," thanked staff for new programs and singled out specific counselors and administrators for their work. She asked the board to "revisit the consequences section of the bullying policy" because she believes the current language is "entirely too broad and needs to be more definitive," and suggested incorporating the restorative-practices program into district policy.

Why it matters: Students described concrete new programs and events that affect day-to-day school life, while the public comment raised a specific policy request the board can address without delay. The board did not take formal action on revisions to the bullying policy at this meeting; the comment provides a clear item for follow-up by the Policy Committee.

The meeting proceeded to routine business after the presentations; board members praised the student presenters and invited future reports on program outcomes.