Four students from each middle school attended the Middle Schools Upstander Institute presented by the Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center, along with Mr. Anderson, Mr. Meurer, and Ms. Friend.

During this time students got to hear and meet New York State Regent Wills, who was a surprise visitor at this event and Sheila Arnold, a Master Storyteller, Historic Character Interpreter, and Teaching Artist.

Students were also engaged in learning about history and the importance of human rights through history from Sheila Arnold who shared the story of "Ole Bess," an enslaved person owned by Mr. Southall, owner of the Raleigh Tavern.  "Ole Bess" has a husband and four children and shares some of the things happening in the colony in 1774 including the dissolution of the House of Burgesses, the beginning talks of revolution and the tragedies that occurred in Boston Harbor.  She also shares about her life and the ways she has learned to survive as a slave. Then shared her experience and knowledge of history. 

 

Students also engaged in discussions in breakout sessions with students from other districts, to discuss what human rights are and how to be an upstander to ensure everyone has their human rights respected. Then discussed ways to bring their learning back to their schools to be upstanders in their schools, classrooms and community.

 

Story and photos provided by Ms. Mariya Pushkantser.