More support for ‘Ellen Garrison Middle School’

I would like to propose that the new middle school be named the Ellen Garrison Middle School.

The Middle School Building Committee thought carefully about the emotional connection that students would have when they entered their new school. The building’s name can contribute to making that connection. Giving it a generic name would represent a lost opportunity.

Why Ellen Garrison? Just as the new school brings together two groups of students, Ellen’s example builds upon the legacies of both Frank Sanborn and Elizabeth Peabody. As a product of Concord’s public schools, a working woman, educator, administrator, and champion of civil rights, Ellen Garrison stood for Concord’s values, and contributed to our town’s rich history in ways that were deeply aligned with Sanborn’s and Peabody’s work.

While we’re unable to ask Frank and Elizabeth who they’d prefer to succeed them, it’s easy to imagine them supporting her. No one else could fill those shoes nearly as well.

Matt Johnson

Winthrop Street

‘Concord Middle School’ fine — but not as good as ‘Ellen Garrison’

April 25, 2024

As a lifelong educator and parent of two Concord students I wanted to take a moment to comment on the current discussion surrounding the new middle school. A large portion of the commentary appears to follow the logic that, since the School Committee had a tie vote on whether to name the middle school after Concordian civil rights activist Ellen Garrison and then almost immediately voted 3-2 to name it something different, the community should not voice our disagreement.

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White Concordians should back ‘Ellen Garrison’ school naming

April 25, 2024

I am writing as a Concord resident, mother of three school-aged children (one in middle school), and a career teacher.

As a white adult who has the privilege of working with young people, I feel it is imperative upon me to do my own work around issues involving diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

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