Student Leadership Retreats, Building Youth Adult Partnership - Students at CMS and CHS attend leadership retreats with Up for Learning to learn leadership skills, build youth adult partnership, and offer their perspectives to school and building leaders. These events bring together student in other leadership, equity and justice groups such as the Rainbow Club, The GSA, We Matter Here, Student Council, and the Green Team.

Social Justice Alliance: Started by student in 2020, the Social Justice Alliance works together to share their learning about justice and equity, advocate for changes in our schools, and support each other. Some highlights from this group include advocating for the BLM flag, teaching about microaggressions at CMS and MBS, visiting PPS and UMS as mentors, and providing feedback to district leadership on important policy and procedures related to equity.

GSA: The GSA brings LGBTQ+ and allied teens together to form a supportive, safe space and to build community. Members of the GSA also work together to organize and advocate around issues impacting them with regard to gender and sexuality justice in school and in the community, and with attention paid to intersectionality in all parts of their identities.

We Matter Here: This club is designed for students who wish to increase awareness and inclusivity for people with mental health needs. Students come together to support each other and advocate for school based supports and community awareness.

Student Council: CHS student council supports positive school culture and communication by managing announcements to ensure students have important information and can celebrate one another's diverse achievements. This team also plans and carries out inclusive and festive events like spirit days and pep rallies.

Video from CHS Diviersion and Inclusivity Assembly

IDEA Task Force: Like the SJA, this group was created by students in 2021. Four students, looking for more education and awareness about their own experiences, met with school and district leadership and formed a club that has grown in size and vision. Highlights include presentations to CMS staff including a video production and live presentation, advocating for the BLM flag, and our new reading for equity project.

Rainbow Club: The CMS Rainbow club is a space for connection and support for students in the LGBTQ+ community and supportive peers. The group offers a place where students can learn, support one another, and work together to raise awareness and inclusion at CMS. Some recent projects include Day of Silence, mural projects, and reading for equity at MBS.

CMS IDEA Promo Video

On July 7, 2020, a pivotal moment occurred in the Colchester School District. Led by students of the Social Justice Alliance, with unwavering support from the Colchester School Board, the Black Lives Matter flag was raised high across the entire district.

“The words ‘Black Lives Matter’ acknowledges the reality of discrimination Black people face and our accountability, as people in positions of power, to change that.”
- Colchester School Board

This symbolic gesture encapsulated the spirit of a global, multi-racial movement and the collective cry for racial justice and accountability following the tragic killings of George Floyd, Breonna Tayler, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless others. The flag became a beacon of hope and a call to action, signifying a broader commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism. It represented a visual and emotional reminder that in the Colchester School District, we understand that true commitment requires more than symbolism. It requires the relentless amplification of voices most affected by inequality and injustice. It requires us to take concrete steps towards positive change.

“The flag represents more than just the words on it. It represents a message of inclusivity for all… a message that is very necessary at Colchester Schools.”
- Gloria Kigonya, member of the Social Justice Alliance and student representative on the Colchester School Board

As we lowered the flags on June 30, 2023, we did so with unshakable resolve to continue this transformative journey, ever mindful of the vital role our students play in shaping the future of our district, and by extension, our community and the world beyond.

“Equity is one of the many goals of the Colchester School District, so the flying of this flag serves as a reminder to students and staff of the work that is being done and the work is still needed.”
- Will Oboh and Jaelynn Neal, members of the Social Justice Alliance