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Governor Mifflin School District Puts Spotlight on Student Belonging

Mar 28, 2022

On Thursday, March 24, 2022, one-hundred concerned citizens gathered at Governor Mifflin Intermediate School to take part in a special session of the existing Governor Mifflin Community Partnership in light of the tragic passing of a Governor Mifflin High School student last week.

However, rather than putting the focus on the tragedy, the partnership asked participants to do something a bit different: look forward, think positive, and find solutions together.  Dr. Lisa Hess, Assistant Superintendent and leader of the Governor Mifflin Community Partnership, recognizes that this approach may not be what people expected: “We understand that the first reaction of many people is to key in on discipline issues and problems.  People find what they are looking for, so we chose to focus on the positive aspects of our schools and community, rather than the negative. Focusing on the negative does not forge a path to viable solutions. The key to reducing and preventing such incidents is to get to the root of why they occur, build on the strengths that already exist in our schools and community, and identify actionable items that we collectively agree upon.”

After a brief moment of silence to honor those directly affected by the tragedy and an address given by Superintendent Bill McKay, Dr. Lisa Hess set the expectations for the meeting, then parents, community members, and business owners, teachers, and school board members worked collaboratively in small groups facilitated by key members of the partnership, district administrators, and school administrators.

On large Post It paper, participants in each of the eighteen groups documented strengths of the district and surrounding community. From these lists, participants worked to identify and set the groundwork for tangible ways that the Governor Mifflin community can better support local youth, strengthen community bonds, and create an overall safer environment.

To conclude the session, each group shared the actionable items they had developed during the hour. Suggestions included making greater use of communal spaces in Shillington and Mohnton, events to bring families of different backgrounds and cultures together, and even a community ambassador program with a focus on making new families in the district feel welcome.

“Our deep, multigenerational roots are a huge strength for us, but for new families to our district it can appear like a wall to achievement,” said Matt Davis, Governor Mifflin High School teacher, “We need to show new students that there are ways to add value to the community and that don’t have to include being the star of the football team or top of their class.”

The Governor Mifflin Community Partnership has been actively meeting since September 2021 and focuses on honoring the dignity of all students, creating a sense of belonging throughout the district, and addressing societal issues related to equity and inclusion.

“In order for kids to achieve, they must first feel like they belong,” said Hess, “that’s what brings us here tonight. We are coming together tonight so that we can find ways to fill those gaps in belonging to help our student feel connected to our district and community in ways that supports their overall success and achievement.”

For many, this was their first time attending a meeting of the partnership. But, for some participants, it will not be their final meeting. Many attendees left with the intention of attending future meetings.

The partnership meets monthly and is comprised of teachers, administrators, district parents, and community members. For more information or to join the Governor Mifflin Community Partnership, please contact Dr. Lisa Hess at [email protected] or call the Governor Mifflin Education Center at 610-775-1461.

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