Over a month ago the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida created a nationwide movement of students looking to honor the victims of the shooting and voice their opinions on school violence. Just as thousands of students around the country participated in the movement, students at Moreno Valley Unified School District schools expressed the desire to participate.
Superintendent Dr. Martinrex Kedziora was approached by high school students to start a dialogue on the topic. After a meeting with a group of students at Valley View High School, he directed Principals to listen to student voices calling for a school event and create a plan for students to participate in a civic engagement event in a safe, supervised way.
Students organizing the events were asked to work closely with the Board of Education, Site Administration, District staff, the community, the Moreno Valley City Council, and the Moreno Valley Police Department to make the event as meaningful as possible.
MVUSD’s goal is to engage students to be more civically minded through the five steps of a civic inquiry and investigation process:
1) Framing a civic inquiry around an issue that is relevant to students.
2) Conducting in-depth research on the multiple perspectives and solutions surrounding the issue.
3) Engaging in civil dialogue to reveal different points of view and perspectives.
4) Communicating a conclusion that is well-researched.
5) Taking informed action by reaching out to policymakers for effective, appropriate solutions.
The Superintendent’s goal was to offer a civic educational opportunity, for students with all viewpoints. Students were not required to participate in any civic engagement event and Principals were instructed to offer safe and supportive options for students.
Dr. Martinrex Kedziora’s proactive approach to the events, ensured students were safe and on campus, with the clear expectation students would return to class after the brief event, which at most schools was less than 20 minutes. At the district’s four comprehensive high schools, each event focused on remembering the 17 students killed in Parkland, Florida.
Students who wished to participate peacefully and safely gathered on campus to remember the fallen students from Parkland, Florida. Each high school read the names of the 17 students, performed music and took time to reflect. At the end of each event students returned to class.
“The future of our democracy depends on a citizenry that is well informed and has the capacity to be thoughtful, engaged critical thinkers and problem solvers. Rather than stifle these students as they try to express their civic activism, we worked closely with them to allow them to express their opinions on this important issue without adversely impacting the learning environment on campus,” said Superintendent Dr. Martinrex Kedziora.
Students at Valley View High School working on an AP Government Class project on political advocacy and engagement drafted an action plan that Board of Education Vice President Jesús M. Holguín took to capitol hill in Washington, D.C. as part of his role as a National PTA Board Member. It was a unique opportunity to have a direct opportunity for their voices to be heard by Congress.
At Canyon Springs High School, students took a local approach calling on the School Board and School District to tour and evaluate the school’s safety protocols.
“No matter their viewpoint, I am proud we have students willing to speak up for change,” said Jesús M. Holguín, “These students are the leaders of tomorrow and have received a first-hand civics lesson they will use in their future.”