Student government (TORCH) leaders facilitated focus group discussions among middle school students on Wednesday afternoon. Seventh and eighth grade TORCH representatives defined guidelines and key terms for the discussion, including equality, identity, and inclusion then encouraged students to think of these terms in all aspects of their school experience: curriculum, extra-curricular activities, lunch and recess, student life, events, and more.

Dean of Middle School Kiri Harris encouraged students to reflect on what's working well, what could be working better, and how to share thoughts in ways that will creative positive change. "Not a lot of schools do this. This is about trust. I'm excited to see the results," she said.

Fifth grade students met together as one group with their teachers, while the rest of the classes splintered off with only TORCH representatives serving as the facilitators and note takers. Teachers remained nearby in case they were needed, but primarily gave students space and privacy to speak candidly to each other.

A few comments from students included:

- We have to trust each other and to do that we have to do more activities together
- Everybody needs to be able to interact with everybody else so that they can find similarities with each other
- This school is a good place to show who you are

- Being the same and being treated the same are different

Notes from each group were submitted anonymously into one document so that students in TORCH and faculty and staff can review the information and make steps towards incorporating the feedback into school life. TORCH representatives will look for themes and identify areas where we should focus.