AHS INCLUSION Workshops 2023

Mission

The AHS Inclusion Workshops are intended to:

Structure

Throughout the month of April, we will have AHS Inclusion Workshops, a month of Advisories dedicated to conversations, presentations, and activities to support diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and justice in the Arlington High School community. 

Advisories on April 6, 13, and 27 will be extended to one hour for Inclusion Workshops. During these three weeks, students will attend two one-hour workshops and one keynote assembly with jamele adams (see below) or one multi-part workshop. We will debrief with our regular Advisories on May 4. 

Next Steps

Workshop Choices: Multi-part sessions

13th Documentary Screening

Melanie Konstandakis

We will watch the documentary 13th by Ava DuVernay, named for the amendment abolishing slavery, exploring the intersection of race, justice, and mass incarceration in the US. We will have short discussions at the end of the first two sessions and a longer conversation at the end of the third. Note: This is a three-part workshop.

Coded Bias Documentary Screening

Clayton Jones & Katelyn Coleman

The documentary Coded Bias (2020) investigates the bias in algorithms after M.I.T. Media Lab researcher Joy Buolamwini uncovered flaws in facial recognition technology. Participants will watch and discuss scenes from the film, considering the social implications of artificial intelligence.

Crip Camp Documentary Screening

Ian Miller

We will view and discuss the documentary Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution, focusing on the birth of disability rights movements, the work that's been done, and what still needs to be done. Note: This is a three-part workshop.

Examining Diversity in Children's Books

Simmy Buck from Loving Little Minds & Nikki McCulloch (special guest!)

Over the course of three weeks, students will take a deep dive into issues of diversity in current children's books, then have the opportunity to develop their own children's book. Note: This is a three-part workshop.

Implicit Bias & Microaggressions

IDEAS (Initiatives for Developing Equity and Achievement for Students) (special guest!)

A two-session workshop focused on implicit bias and microaggression facilitated by instructors from IDEAS (Initiatives for Developing Equity and Achievement for Students). Note: This is a two-part workshop, with participants attending both sessions. 

Workshop Choices: One-hour sessions

Activism Through Art & Poetry

Elizabeth Basso & AHS Students

This workshop allows students to consider art and poetry as tools to expose injustice and bring about positive social change. We will view and discuss a few examples of poetry and art as activism, and then spend time making our own.

Adultin n' Stuff: Equity in Personal Finance and Life After High School

Jessica Toupin

Do you ever sit in math and think, "When will I ever use this?!" Join Ms. Toupin and your peers to learn about equity in personal finance. We will play lots of fun games while learning about taxes, investing, loans, etc. Guaranteed to be both fun and informative!

All Things Brazil

Duncan Slobodzian & AHS Students

This workshop will provide an affinity space for students who have connections to Brazil or speak Portuguese. AHS has a large (and growing! and passionate!) cohort of kids who have lived part of their lives in Brazil. They are eager to share what they love about the country and its people, including culture, music, food, and language. Note: Some or maybe even most of this session will take place in Portuguese!

Art and Identity through Music

Tim Marten, Justin Bourassa, & Music Discovery Club

Join the Music Discovery Club as we share music and discuss the role music plays in culture and progressivism. We'll highlight music created by artists of different cultures, ethnicities, genders, sexualities, etc, and talk about how music is important to various marginalized communities. Finally, we'll take some time to listen to new music together and relax! 

Bias Incident Response in Arlington

Christine Carney & Sharon Grossman from the Arlington Human Rights Commission (AHRC) (special guest!)

This workshop will introduce students to the Arlington Human Rights Commission (AHRC). What kinds of hate incidents have occurred in Arlington? How do we record and investigate such incidents? How does the AHRC reach out to people who have had things happen to them, whether it's housing, police, or something else? Interested in getting involved with the AHRC? This is a good place to start!

BIPOC Mental Health Workshop

Allison Lee & Asian American Coalition (AAC)

Join the Asian American Coalition (AAC) for a presentation on how mental health issues affect BIPOC people at a disproportionate race, followed by opportunities for discussion.

Cards Across the Globe

Alex Hajdukiewicz

In this workshop we will teach card games that are played across the world and analyze how games differ between countries. We'll go over the history of the games and how the game has become a part of the culture that it derives from, and end the workshop by playing games together as we listen to music that would be traditional to the areas where the games originate.

Class Divide Documentary Screening

Octavia Brauner

Watch and discuss Class Divide, from the documentary series America Divided. Join actor Jesse Williams (Grey's Anatomy) as he journeys to St. Petersburg, Florida, once known for its beaches and pleasant weather, but now notorious for being the unlikely epicenter of the student achievement gap and school-to-prison pipeline.

Collage Workshop with John Williams

Local Artist John Williams & Annalise Abdelnour (special guest!)

John Williams is a nationally recognized local artist who creates beautiful collages, typically of historical subjects or landscapes. John is also neurodivergent and uses art as a way to channel his energies and explore the things he has affinities for. John will speak about his process and how being neurodivergent plays a role in his work.

Conversation + Connection with Older Adults

Intergenerational Book Club & Arlington Council on Aging (special guest!)

This workshop will provide an opportunity for conversations and connections between AHS students and older adults in town. We'll talk about what teenage life was like for them compared to today and learn about the Council on Aging.

Crafts with LABBB

Will Darling & Best Buddies

This is an opportunity to make connections with people who are neurodiverse. It is fun to find people that you connect with, and sometimes you can find them in places that you don't expect. In this session, we will make crafts and color with a mixed group of students and see if we make any connections with new and different people in our community.

Diverse Picture Books: What's Old and What's New?

Pam Watts (Children's Librarian) and Stephen Toropov (Teen Librarian) from Robbins Library (special guest!)

Join librarians from Robbins Library for a brief history of diversity in children's picture books and the state of publishing today. If picture books are the first literature children are exposed to, what are they seeing? What or who are they not seeing? What's changed and what still needs to change? Picture books are great for all ages and provide a quick "snapshot" of the publishing industry.

Diversity in Nerdom

Ari Gomez & Katelyn Coleman

In this workshop, we will explore the role of diversity in nerdom, focusing on recent examples such as the Lord of the Rings and Marvel cinematic universes. Participants will discuss the impact of diverse casts on storytelling, character development, and the representation of different cultures and identities, criticially examining and celebrating the power of diversity in shaping the worlds we love.

Environmental Justice

Lindsey Plummer & SAVE Club

This workshops will dive into issues around environmental justice and sustainability. Participants will learn about the impact of environmental injustice on particular communities and develop actionable steps to promote environmental stewardship.

Exchange Students' Experiences

Judy Duffy & AHS Students

This interactive session will provide an opportunity to ask questions and share stories about community, culture, and more with current AHS exchange students.

Exploring Inclusion From the Inside Out

Simone Kotraba (APS SEL Coach)

Our intention is to co-create a nurturing restorative circle using self-regulation practices that supports inclusion from the inside/out. Let's engage in courageous conversation to address challenges and best practices for creating an inclusive community that supports all learners.

Exploring Various Learning Styles

Anne Benson & Katherine Becker

Explore the different ways in which people learn and process information, and how understanding these differences can lead to more inclusive and supportive learning environments. Through activities and discussion, participants will gain a greater understanding of diverse learning styles and how to create a sense of belonging for all learners.

Female Representation in Media

Heather Barber & Young Feminist Alliance (YFA) 

This workshop is designed to explore the complex issue of female representation in media, including film, television, and advertising. Participants will learn about the historical and cultural context of women's roles in media, as well as the impact of representation on our perceptions of gender and identity. Through group discussions and media analysis exercises, we will explore strategies for creating more diverse and empowering female characters, and celebrate the progress that has been made in recent years.

Find Arlington's Diverse History through Local History Sources

Steven Prochet (Local History Librarian) from Robbins Library (special guest!)

Calling local history buffs! Learn about BIPOC people, women, and other marginalized groups, who have lived in and contributed to the community of Arlington over the years. Join our very own local history librarian to learn how to use the Historical Arlington Newspapers collection and other local history resources to discover our town's history, research individuals, and learn about Arlington’s experience of historic events such as the Civil Rights movement.

French Culture Workshop

Sean Rufo-Curran & AHS Students

What is culture? What is included and what is not? How do French culture and ELL intersect? This workshop will provide an affinity space for students who have connections to Francophone countries or who speak or are learning French. Note: Some or maybe even most of this session will take place in French!

Gender and Sexuality in the Ancient Mediterranean

Casandra Mea & Latin Club

We are going to look at some translations of artifacts, documents, and literature (including poetry) to explore some of the classical world’s attitudes on homosexuality and queer gender identities.

Healthy Masculinity

Thomas McCauley

This workshop will explore the concept of healthy masculinity and provide participants with tools to challenge traditional gender roles and stereotypes. Through interactive exercises and group discussions, we will examine the impact of toxic masculinity on our lives and communities, and identify strategies for promoting healthy and positive expressions of masculinity.

Heartstopper: Inclusion and Joy

Scott Stelter & Matt Cincotta

This workshop will focus on Heartstopper, the graphic novel series as well as the Netflix series, as an example of a joyful LGTBQIA+ experience that is not centered on or about trauma. Let's use this story to learn about different ways of inclusion, while celebrating a text that is inspiring, helpful, and full of joy.

Hiphop to House and Back Again

Sean Bjerke from the Dance Complex (special guest!)

Street dance is a broad term used to describe social dances that "lived" outside traditional dance studios. Simply put, hiphop is considered a type of street dance done to hiphop music, and has its own unique history, culture, vocabulary and aesthetic. House is a club dance, and is also closely affiliated with hiphop. Join Sean as he speaks on these in more detail and demonstrates and teaches some fundamentals. This workshop is sponsored by Arlington Community Education (ACE). 

History of Reproductive Rights in America

Young Feminist Alliance (YFA) 

We will share a brief overview of the history of reproductive rights laws in America, including social and political movements and landmark court cases and legislation, and examine ongoing challenges to equity and access to comprehensive sex education, contraception, and abortion. Finally, through activities and discussion, we will identify strategies for advancing reproductive justice.

Hour of Code: Diversity in Computer Science

Kambiz Vatan & Girls in STEM Club & STEAM Club

Curious about computer science? Join the Girls in STEM and STEAM Clubs in an interactive Hour of Code to promote computer science in a way that helps create a positive learning experience for students who are historically underrepresented in the field.

Inclusion in Sports: Ultimate

Brian Buck & Ultimate Frisbee

Our goal is to explore questions around belonging/inclusion and sports. Attendees will share their experiences, learn about major efforts to make sports more inclusive, and then get to play some Ultimate as a group.

International Food

Robin Varghese & Veg Club

Don't yuck my yum! Often people are grossed out or are hesitant to try foods they've never heard of before because they come from cultures outside of what they are familiar with. Participants in this workshop will walk away with a greater appreciation for international food. Note: Students will need signed permission to attend this workshop. 

Karaoke

Lisa Clark & Sarah Stoe

Did you know that the word "karaoke" comes from two Japanese words meaning "empty orchestra"? Learn the history of karaoke and sing your heart out!

Making New Friends

Victoria Perez

This workshop is designed to help high school students build their social skills and expand their social circles by learning effective strategies for making new friends. Participants will learn about the importance of inclusivity and belonging in building strong friendships, and will be provided with practical tips and exercises to help them overcome social anxiety and connect with others in meaningful ways.

Mindful of Race: Lessons on Compassion & Healing

Elizabeth Redley (APS SEL Coach)

What tools do you have to cope with injustice? When harm is done, how do you heal? Mindfulness has long been used in wellbeing work with a significant impact being seen in those with terminal illness, as well as addictions treatment. What else can mindfulness heal? And what role does compassion play in equity work?

My Disability Roadmap Documentary Screening

Annalise Abdelnour

Learn about transitioning to adulthood with (or without) a disability by watching and discussing the short documentary My Disability Roadmap, co-directed by and about a young man named Samuel Habib who is trying to figure out life as an adult. Samuel has cerebral palsy and epilepsy, and requires around the clock support for his health, and he also wants to be in the same spaces as any other person his age. Samuel has big dreams and wonders how to make them a reality. He interviews adult disability rights activists to get their takes on growing up with a disability in the hopes of building on their wisdom to make a path forward for himself.

NAACP and Youth Involvement 

Mystic Valley Area (MVA) NAACP Executive Committee (special guest!)

In this workshop, members of the MVA NAACP Executive Committee will give a brief overview of the history of the Mystic Valley Area Branch of the NAACP, discuss the importance of youth involvement, and talk about issues that youth can raise and be a part of change making, for example, changing school curriculum.

Open Maker Space: Exploring Learning Styles

Nathan Muehleisen & Jonathan Koppel

Join Mr. Muehleisen and Mr. Koppel for an open maker space workshop. This will be an opportunity to explore hands-on learning and connect about individuals different learning styles

Parkour

Blake Evitt from Parkour Generations Boston (special guest!)

Parkour is a sport, discipline, art, and philosophy, with roots in many cultures. Learn more about the history and some basic moves in this interactive, introductory session. This workshop is sponsored by Arlington Community Education (ACE). Note: Students will need signed permission to attend this workshop. 

Photo Booth Fun

David Moore & Art Club

Join Mr. Moore and the Art Club for an exploration of identity and representation with photo booth fun in the Digital Media Lab. Note: Participants should look out for communication from Mr. Moore in preparation as you will be bringing a picture to the event. 

Power of Civic Engagement

Alexis Daggett & Model Congress

Members of the Model Congress club will educate students about the power and influence of civic engagement, giving students a better understanding of their government and teaching students about how important their voice is to the future of the country. Attend this workshop if you are interested in discussions about civic engagement, the government, and other issues in the country!

Queer Book Club

Annie McCauley & Queer Book Club

Speed dating with books! Looking for some new titles to add to your list? Come check out some of the Queer Book Club's favorites and get a chance to do some quiet reading. This workshop will be display a variety of books with queer characters or written by queer authors and allow students to rotate through and explore them. Book nerds can share their favorite titles and get some ideas for what to read next!

Queerness and Neurodivergence

Andrea Razi & Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA)

In this workshop we will consider intersections and explore societal impacts within and beyond these communities.

Racism and Policing

Bryan White (School Resource Officer) (special guest!)

Join us for a conversation on racism and policing led by School Resource Officer Bryan White.

Reflections on Self, Joy, and Community

Cara McMillin

Spend time relaxing, being creative, and gaining skills to decrease stress with coloring sheets and journal prompts. Using art and journaling, you’ll gain a better understanding of yourself, what brings you joy, and how to show up in community as your authentic self.

Reimagining the Importance of Appearance

Erin McLean & Megan Miller

Join us as we examine the impact of societal beauty standards on our self-image and wellbeing, identify strategies for promoting body positivity and self-acceptance, and develop tools for challenging harmful stereotypes and promoting inclusive beauty standards.

Revolutionary Black Women in Music

TBD

In this workshop we will explore the role of Black women in American music. Starting very early with blues singers like Bessie Smith, moving through jazz with Billie Holiday, into soul with Nina Simone and Aretha Franklin, then onto modern artists like Beyonce and Lizzo, we'll draw a throughline spanning 100 years to show how Black women have both resisted oppression and celebrated their existence through song.

Sex Verification of Athletes

Shannon Knuth

This workshop explores the biology of sex determination and development in humans, set against the backdrop of the different sex testing policies implemented throughout sports history. We will look at the testosterone levels in elite athletes and discuss whether what biological criteria, if any, should be used to qualify an athlete to compete in men’s or women’s events? Activities come from HHMI BioInteractive.

Tavloo Game

Liz Morris & Armenian Club

Join the Armenian Club to learn to play Tavloo, a two-player Armenian board game played with counters and dice similar to Backgammon, with snacks!

Trans Lives on Screen

Michael Byrne & Lauren Geiger

We will watch and discuss scenes from the documentary Disclosure: Trans Lives on Screen, an in-depth look at Hollywood's depiction of transgender people and the impact of those stories on transgender lives and American culture.

Understanding Executive Functioning

Amanda Donohue

Do you struggling with organization? Having a hard time getting started on your homework? Do you spend five hours on homework when you only need two? Then this is the workshop for you! Take an hour to learn about the different cognitive processes impacting your ability to move through tasks and learn about some tools you can use to help!

We Need Diverse Books

Blythe Colyer & Grace Hoglund & Student Library Advisory Committee (SLAC)

This will be an interactive workshop, including time to browse the library collection, promoting the importance of traditionally underrepresented voices and the We Need Diverse Books movement. This session is for everyone, but especially people who love to read!

What is Special Education or a 504?

Joyce Dvorak

Understand the history of Special Education/504s, the process for determining who requires these supports, its goals, and what it means for the student and the classroom.

What We Are Learning About Reparations 

Mystic Valley Area (MVA) NAACP Reparations Committee (special guest!)

In this workshop, members of the MVA NAACP Reparations Committee will explore the history of reparations, what they can look like, the different kinds that exist and how to get involved, and foster a better understanding of what reparations are. 

Whiteness and Antiracism: What Can I Do?

White People Challenging Racism (WPCR) & AHS Students (special guest!)

With the support of representatives from the White People Challenging Racism (WPCR) program, students will engage in discussion and activities centered around the role of white people challenging racism. Participants will consider ways they can move forward in their daily lives while actively refuting those structures and ideals in place that contribute to the system of racism that white people created, maintain and condone.

Women in Government

Erika Tonachel & Young Feminist Alliance (YFA)

This workshop will be centered around the role women play in government across the world, including the lack of gender diversity and the treatment of women in politics. We'll share statistics, videos, and discussion questions, as well as provide students a place to share their own thoughts and opinions.

Workshop ReGISTRATION

After you review the options, go to the Workshop Registration Form to sign up for your favorites! 

You must be logged into your Spyponders account to register. If you have technical difficulties, see Ms. Kitsis in the AHS Library or email her at skitsis@arlington.k12.ma.us for assistance. 

Keynote speaker

AHS is thrilled to welcome jamele adams as our Inclusion Workshops keynote speaker this year. jamele adams (lowercase to signal that he is a piece in life’s grand landscape for us all), is well known for his work in diversity, equity, and inclusion, is a nationally celebrated poet, and has received many awards and recognition for his work in education. At Arlington High School, jamele will be sharing his L.I.T platform and model of how Love, Inclusion, and Trust serve as the basis for human connection while simultaneously addressing h8 and bias. Each student will attend an assembly with jamele on April 6, 13, or 27. 

a special note

Thank you to all the Arlington High school students, staff, and administrators who have made this event possible! We would also like to thank Arlington Community Education for their support.