WORCESTER – The Worcester Public School’s Student Advisory Council has proposed a pair of initiatives to help make the district more inclusive by providing access to different foods options and increasing awareness of internships and academic growth opportunities.
As the name implies, the Student Advisory Committee is a group of Worcester students who work with the superintendent to provide a unique perspective, a true first-hand understanding of the student experience. Both recent proposals were among the first items addressed on the school committee’s Feb. 6 agenda after being held from a meeting in January where the student representatives were unable to attend.
The first item was a proposal to increase the lunch options districtwide to include halal foods, a category traditionally eaten by those who follow the Muslim faith. Maryjane Bitar, a student spokesperson and a Worcester Technological High School senior, said adding the food category is essential to providing for the dietary needs of different faiths and creating a welcoming school environment for all.
“We understand there are many options offered at schools already, but many students aren’t aware if they have them at their school,” Bitar said. “This is leading a lot of students who use halal options to not eat school lunch. We’d like to hear from students who require halal options to improve their schools experience which will overall benefit not only the schools at this moment, but future generations of Muslim students who might need the halal options, or overall Worcester being more inclusive.”
The motion called for partnering with certified halal vendors or training cafeteria staff in the preparation of halal foods with clear labeling on the school menus. The school committee agreed to send the item to the administration for further consideration.
Bitar also represented the student body in a second item that focused on the availability and awareness of internships and academic achievement honors. As with the first proposal, Bitar said this initiative would create a more inclusive and equitable environment across all schools but this time less about food options and more about ensuring all students have the same access to career and academic growth opportunities.
“We understand certain schools like Worcester Tech, because of our shops, have more internships and opportunities other schools don’t have at all times,” said Bitar, “so the big thing is to make sure there are opportunities for everyone. We believe students excel more often when they are encouraged to do so by adults around them, so if we have adults actively encouraging students to participate in an internship or maybe an academic opportunity, that would overall lead to their success.”
Another student, Armig Bardizbanian from Burncoat High School, also backed the recommendation proposing that the district create a format or document that can be applied evenly to the different schools to raise awareness of what opportunities are out there. “I’ve been interested in internships myself,” she said, “but I never know where to look and most of the teachers don’t know either. It would be much appreciated if there was some sort of newsletter about it to make students aware of these kinds of activities.”
In addition to a newsletter, school-specific bulletin boards and other methods were also discussed, all with the goal of making sure every student has access to the tools to help achieve their ultimate potential and explore what careers and academic opportunities are around them. This item was also referred to the administration for further review and action.
Jason Bleau, a seasoned reporter from Connecticut’s Quiet Corner, has more than 11 years of experience in news media. He has worked as a news anchor for WINY 1350 AM in Putnam, CT, and contributed extensively to publications under The Stonebridge Press. Jason has also served as Press Box coordinator and recap reporter for Thompson Speedway, covering local and national racing talent. Outside journalism, he is a movie enthusiast, freelance film reviewer, banker, and solo musician performing across Southern Worcester County and Northeastern Connecticut. He can be reached at bleau.jason@yahoo.com
