Our CRLS Student Government started the year with momentum and enthusiasm. Within the first month, we facilitated several successful fundraisers to ensure that we can put on fun events this year that will be more affordable. If you stopped by Lizzy’s Ice Cream or bought any gear, thank you!

This year, we have continued working on the homework policy, which focuses on the new classroom dynamics with technology, creating equitable opportunities for all students to complete assignments while balancing religious and cultural practices, as well as ensuring that extra-credit opportunities are accessible to all students. In addition, we are currently working with Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Salim and the School Committee to integrate the new homework policy into CRLS classrooms, beginning with a pilot program next semester. The vote for this policy was held on December 18th.

We have been meeting with faculty regarding athletic eligibility in order to create a system that will truly support student-athletes when they are at risk of not being able to play because of their grades. This is an issue that can help many students who have potential but are not given the maximum opportunity to grow. This issue has been addressed on a district level and continues to be a main topic of debate at School Committee meetings. The GPA minimum used to be a 67.5 in order for a student to play sports. The Committee recently lowered the minimum to a 60 before a student athlete is placed on academic probation. However, the standard for “full team participation” is still a GPA of 70.

Another main focus Student Government has addressed this school year is adding pronouns to attendance sheets and ensuring that class introductions will include both names and pronouns. Currently, any student can ask a clerk or dean to change their recorded gender that appears on Aspen (and therefore attendance), and we want to ensure that pronouns are also included on the list. We are working with technology faculty to make sure pronouns and gender will appear on attendance sheets so teachers and students can correctly and respectfully address all classmates.

We also kicked off the year with the Door Decorating Contest. Congratulations to the overall winner, Community Meeting (CM) 3607; the CM with the most inclusive and thoughtful decorations, CM 2202; and the CM with the most creative decorations, CM 2601!

In October, Jemma Kepner ’19 won the Halloween Contest, showcasing a strikingly similar look to Audrey Hepburn. Come November, we focused energy around Falcon Pride Day! The intensity of the dodgeball tournaments in the fieldhouse, talent in the auditorium, and chill vibes in the gym and Main Cafeteria welcomed the five-day Thanksgiving break. Shout out to Hakan West ’19 and Kalkidan Mamo ’19 for winning the half-court contest!

The Senior Class sponsored the Haunted Homecoming dance, the first fall dance CRLS has had in years. Following Student Government events for this school year include Skating Night (January), Culture Night (February), Student vs. Staff Basketball Game (March), Talent Show (April), and then a string of events in May including Junior and Senior Prom, Nest Fest, Capture the Flag, and an outdoor Movie Night! Additionally, we plan to have a de-stress zone full of therapy dogs, coloring, and more to get through finals.

If anyone has concerns that you would like to address or events you wish to see, come to room 1606 on Monday mornings at 7:15 AM or stop by during CM. Go Falcons!

This piece also appears in our December 2018 print edition.