We are Acton-Boxborough Alumni Hannah (Sky) Karp and Talie Maggs, and we are demanding change within the Acton-Boxborough Regional School System. In the past two years, six students and recent alumni of ABRHS have taken their own lives. It is clear now that this is more than just a coincidence or freak occurrence. There are systematic problems with how our school system treats its students, such as the toxic attitude of constant competition and the devaluing of student's humanity and personal well-being. These have gone on for too long. We are standing together and saying enough is enough. We want to mobilize the Acton-Boxborough community to take action with us and finally create a lasting change.
We urge you to sign this petition in solidarity with our mission to create a safer and healthier AB.
Join us in calling upon our entire school community to meet the following demands:
- Mandatory mental health education integrated into all physical education classes.
- A reimagining of our counseling program, including confidentiality between students and counselors (unless the student expresses explicit desire to hurt themselves or others).
- Increased training and briefing for school counselors
- A more holistic approach to how we talk about life after high school, including more focus put on alternative options after graduation such as gap years, military service, peace corps, or work, and the arbitrary nature of college admissions.
- More training and accountability for high school teachers regarding their student's wellness.
To get involved further, please go to our website, or fill out our form to join our working group: https://taciturnsoul.wixsite.com/whatwewishyouknew
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScBeTTat-MxO3StYP-ErLS-Lt7j1ydhRAoX8bcdRvjPmteAlw/viewform?usp=sf_link
Thank you so much for your solidarity and support,
Talie Maggs and Hannah (Sky) Karp
