What does it really mean to be a part of “Concord Culture”? Concord Community Schools is known for being a small school with a big community. The school tries to pride itself on school spirit, academic support, and amazing athletics. But if we ask students this question, we will get many different answers: some will say they feel supported and loved, while others will say they feel overlooked. Some may not know how to answer this question and just say they are still finding their place and are not sure where they fit in yet.
Walking down the halls, we can see all different types of people: kids mingling and laughing loudly with their friends, talking to teachers, reading in the corner, and even ones who are walking around, trying their best not to be seen. Behind every student, teacher, and administrator is a life we don’t get to see, so why not try our hardest to make the lives we are a part of the best possible? Throughout the school year, students and staff spend over half their lives in this building, between classes, practices, sporting events, awards ceremonies, or just waiting for parents.
Back in late October and early November, students were asked to take a climate survey, which asked them questions about the Concord school environment. This survey was pushed out, but it was not mandatory for students to participate in. In the end, 127 students answered this survey. Concord High School comprises 180 students, so nearly 70% responded. Students were asked to give honest opinions on this survey and were informed that their answers would be anonymous. This survey was a long list of questions about safety and belonging, respect, and happiness. It is supposed to measure how we feel being at Concord day to day and suggest ways the school system could make students feel more welcome in their community.
Teachers do their best to make students feel welcome and seen in Concord. Mrs.Colangelo is one science teacher, but she also plays other huge roles for her students. Colangelo takes her own personal time and provides snacks and water for students throughout the school day, with things like crackers, microwavable popcorn, noodles, fruit snacks, and many other foods that she believes the students will love. “I do feel respected by other staff and all of my students, but sometimes I do have to work for it, she explains. “I make sure my students know that we are going to treat each other like humans, talk to me how you wish for me to speak to you, but that is the biggest part, I treat everyone like they’re people.” Mrs.Colangelo is kind of seen as the school mom, and when students were asked who they felt like they could talk to, Mrs. Colangelo received quite a popular vote.
Mr.Saucedo is the Spanish teacher here at Concord and offers students free haircuts after school. Saucedo states, “Concord is pleasant and has many resources for kids… I consistently model genuine behavior and show empathy with the kids.” This shows the students that they are respected and honored. When students feel that they are genuinely heard and their opinions are valued, it will make them enjoy being here and not like they are forcibly in school.
Tammy DeRossett is a junior this year and shares, “It’s a very small community filled with lots of joy… most of my family has also attended Concord, so a lot of my teachers know me from that.” Concord is a small community with lots of family legacies. Lots of students’ families have also attended Concord for many generations, which builds great relationships among students and teachers and students.
Jeffrey Thomas is another junior at CHS and states, “I definitely feel that my peers and teachers respect me. I built respect with my teachers by talking to them and going to them during my free time to make sure that I’m on track.” Teachers respect they see students trying. If a teacher feels like you are trying your hardest they will always do their best to try their hardest to help you.
As you can see, Concord is a great community with lots of opportunities for students and staff. It is not only a school or a community, but a family.
