Many reasons to say yes to ‘Ellen Garrison Middle School’ at Town Meeting

I support a YES vote for Article 22. The name Ellen Garrison Middle School is a thoughtful and strategic choice aligned with multiple positive outcomes:

1. Invoke a stronger sense of purpose for students, staff, and community

The name celebrates a role model for integrity, personal excellence, mutual respect, and caring for others. With this name, school leaders and volunteers can create a strong sense of purpose and direction for students, staff, and the community.

2. Promote commitment to the school district’s mission

Ellen Garrison is inspirational. Her name will serve as a constant reminder of the school district’s mission to educate all students as lifelong learners, creative thinkers, caring citizens, and responsible contributors in our increasingly diverse global society.

3. Attract individuals to this same mission

A name like Ellen Garrison can attract families who are seeking a school that aligns with their beliefs and values, values such as inclusion. This can lead to a more cohesive community supporting the school district.

4. Embrace change and growth

Changing the school’s name to Ellen Garrison Middle School demonstrates the school committee’s willingness to adapt and respond to the changing needs of our community, while staying true to the core values and mission of the district.

Attend Town Meeting on April 29 to participate in the town’s decision and to vote YES on Article 22 to encourage naming the publicly owned school the “Ellen Garrison Middle School.”

Kristin Moore

Frances 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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