GMS students present "Way of the Panther" projects: anti-bullying lessons, career lunches and a community garden plan

Students from Grayslake Middle School presented the Way of the Panther leadership's work to the Grayslake CCSD 46 Board on April 22, describing several initiatives intended to build school climate and student engagement.

Presenters recounted a No Place for Hate curriculum they've run in collaboration with staff (lessons adapted from the Anti-Defamation League on language and bias), and said they will compare building climate survey results from October and May to measure change. Career exploration lunch-and-learn sessions for eighth graders have hosted six sessions so far featuring an attorney, firefighter, teacher/coach, engineer and nurses; students said the events raised awareness of pathways including CLC and the tech campus.

The students outlined a community-garden plan for a parcel near the school parking lot: 12 plots (20-by-20) with GMS intended to use four plots; plans include a water tank to be filled from the building (not a passive rain-capture system), signage, fencing and coordination with village officials. The presenters said they hope to integrate harvests into school meals and to create a tool-share and signage program run by students.

Trustees asked clarifying questions about water sourcing and compost, and students answered that the tank will be a large, refillable tank and that indoor cafeteria composting is intended to feed an outdoor compost program. Trustee Miller praised the plan and asked staff to continue coordination with food service to ensure appropriate planting for harvest.

What's next: Students will host a seventh-grade orientation May 11 (daytime visits) and an open house for families May 12 (6:30 p.m.); board members indicated strong support and encouraged continuation into next year.