In the past week, the Clarkston community has dealt with two appalling, heart breaking issues. While we may never know the truth behind either event, it is time to create a culture of change in the school community. Public schools were originally designed in the 1800's to educate young white men on voting material and processes, in hopes that they could better society. This is no longer the demographic that attends public school, yet, no changes have been made to the education system in roughly two-hundred years. In light of recent events, it is time to demand that change for Clarkston Community Schools. Students are silently suffering, while being demanded to complete hours of assignments that will likely not benefit them in the future. Students are paralyzed by their internal struggles while being told that they must also be "high achieving". Clarkston Schools are known for their excellence in sports, academics, and other curricula's. However, if Clarkston Community Schools are not pushed to excel in overall student wellness, then we have failed as a community. A student who can receive a 4.0 while playing on a state-ranked team, who is battling anxiety and depression alone, will not be able to become an adult who can positively contribute to society; because their own battles have to be dealt with first. Clarkston Community Schools members, it is time to call for an overdue change in the CCS system. Clarkston schools must educate their students not only in the academics, but also in health and well being if their goal is truly to create "positive contributors in a global society".
