Weston middle-school students lead 'identity' activity as part of No Place for Hate initiative

Weston School District staff and students reported progress on a No Place for Hate initiative at the district's curriculum subcommittee meeting.

Jason Bluestein and student presenters described Activity 1, held during an extended advisory period in November, which used mixed-grade groups and an "identity iceberg" worksheet from the Anti-Defamation League. Eighth graders Leo Wolfson and Abby Delaney explained that students listed visible and hidden aspects of identity, discussed empathy prompts and wrote suggested next steps on sticky notes.

Coordinator Sharra Koladny summarized post-activity surveys: students emphasized being kind, inclusive and avoiding assumptions; many recommended concrete schoolwide actions such as mixed-grade events, identity posters, assemblies and safer ways to share personal identity. Staff feedback requested additional planning time before students facilitate sensitive conversations, noting vulnerability can follow from these exercises.

Board members asked about measuring impact. Staff pointed to the district's climate surveys (Panorama), which the district uses to track belonging and school climate, and said qualitative follow-up could supplement quantitative metrics. Jason said teams are planning Activity 2 for February with a steering committee and a student planning group.

Presenters and board members framed the work as iterative: a successful first activity that requires refinement and continued practice to make its lessons persistent across the school year.