"HHS Students For Change"
With recent events happening across the US, students have become increasingly concerned for the safety of their schools. Heath High School students Alexis Moore, Maddie Webster, Lindsay Drumm, Anna O’Steen, and Chase Knisley have created a student group called “HHS Students 4 Change” who are working towards making Heath a safer place to go to school.
The group has connected with Superintendent Trevor Thomas and other administrators, and they are currently working toward the goals below:
“Go Buckets”: buckets with a collection of emergency items (first aid kits, toilet paper, water bottles, etc.) that will be placed in each classroom in the Heath district to provide essential supplies in the case of an emergency. Students are currently working with Gina Peterson, Secretary at the Mayor’s office, on getting item/cash donations from local companies.
Rendezvous Point Understanding & Practice: HHS’s rendezvous point is Licking County Christian Academy (LCCA), a private school beside Hoback Park, and some students are confused about the location itself or about the route to take in order to get there. The students’ safety may be put at risk by this lack of understanding. In order to get all of the students and teachers on the same page, each building will be running drills where students walk to their respective rendezvous points and back.
Improved Mental Health: HHS Students 4 Change realizes that in cases of tragedies in other schools, the situation may have been resolved with better mental health resources in schools. The group is working on some new ways to connect students with one another by implementing a mentorship program. If a student is struggling with mental health issues, they will be given an opportunity to get help from another student. Mentors will refer students to school guidance counselors or administrators as needed and will report safety concerns that may arise.
These students believe that safety is a very high priority in Heath, and that’s why they are stepping up and making their voices heard. The administrators are hearing them loud and clear, and are responding with support and partnership. You can expect to see continuous improvements in Heath City Schools’ safety plans as students, parents, and administrators work together to keep students and staff safe.
