School Events

Each community member discussed their roles in the community and how students can be civically engaged in political and non-political activities.

The classrooms in the eighth grade hallway were filled with students and faculty attentively listening to presentations from our 27 guests. Students sat rapt as they listened to these local leaders explain the real-world applications behind the subject matter they are learning in the classroom.

Some highlights of the day included presentations by Revere Human Rights Commissioners, Dr. Lourenço Garcia (Assistant Superintendent), Ms. Kourou Pich (Executive Director of HarborCOV), Molly McGee (Attorney), and Christopher Bright (Fire Chief) who spoke about their work of protecting and preserving the civil and human rights of all people of Revere. Students were interested in issues related to immigration, community engagement, voting rights, local government and policy-decision making, and especially about the work Ms. Pich does to support victims and survivors of domestic violence. The HRC encouraged all students to become an agent of change by engaging in civic work and bringing their voices to the HRC meetings.

Revere Public Schools encourages amplifying student voice and agency in its schools. This was evident in students’ responses as they asked deep and thought provoking questions to our presenters, as well as responding to questions posed to them. The presenters shared relevant information on a wide-range of current world topics and events to spark students’ curiosity and imagination.

 

 

Students were also able to hear about the politics of the school district from Dr. Dianne Kelly, Superintendent of Schools. One of the topics of conversation was the implementation of the school dress code. She explained to the students that although the School Committee makes final decisions on matters like school dress codes, student voices were also heard throughout the process that ended with a decision to implement dress code.

 

 

Representative Jeffrey Turco spoke about his role as the Representative of Suffolk’s 19th District by providing a brief summary of his job in proposing bills. Students were particularly interested in learning about the types of bills that cross his desk. He explained that he has many responsibilities, and although he may disagree with certain proposed bills in the House, his job is nonpartisan. He added that one of his favorite pieces of legislature was to remove the paid parking meters from Revere Beach, as Revere Beach is the first free public beach in the country.

 

 

 

Charles Giuffrida, the city’s Director of Travel and Tourism, regaled students with a story of the battle of Chelsea Creek, the first victory for the United Colonies during the Revolutionary War. He also spoke about the possibility of adding a commuter rail stop in Revere, explaining that a stop in Revere would open up new possibilities for commuters who need to get into the city for work, or for students who want to take a day trip to Salem or Newburyport.

Election Commissioner Paul Fahey, engaged students in a conversation about the election process. Students were interested in how elections work, as the midterm elections had happened only two and a half weeks previously. Mr. Fahey engaged students by asking whether voting should be compulsory and whether voting should be done electronically via a smartphone app.

Julia Newhall, Director of Substance Use Disorder and Homelessness Initiatives, and Chris Alba, a harm reduction specialist presented information on homelessness and substance abuse. With a strong focus on homelessness and how students can help the homeless community, Ms. Newhall described how warming shelters and food distribution work.

 

 

We are grateful to the eighth grade teachers and the administration team at the Susan B. Anthony Middle School for hosting this important event. Teaching students about civics is a great way of elevating their voice in the decision making process so that they can meaningfully contribute to their community.

Revere Public Schools, and especially the Susan B. Anthony Middle School, wish to send our sincerest gratitude to all presenters. Your dedication to your job and to our students is truly extraordinary.