Middle School Students Promote Belonging at USM

A group of Middle School students at University School of Milwaukee participated in Project Belonging, a student-driven program to develop resilient and connected communities, led by Teachers College, Columbia University.

Through the program, the students completed an online course that taught them about the importance of connection, empathy, and being a supportive presence at school. They also learned about challenges that can make students feel isolated or out of place, such as not knowing many people, feeling different, or lacking a support network. They explored protective factors that can help students feel safe, valued, and included, like building friendships, sharing personal stories, and connecting through common interests.

Upon completion of the program, Project Belonging gifted USM $1,000 to fund programs that create a stronger sense of community and inclusion at USM. The participating students hosted a Middle School assembly on Monday, Jan. 27, to share the ideas and knowledge they have gained from the experience. 

The students brainstormed how the money from Project Belonging can help to foster a welcoming environment at USM, and they developed the idea to build a new playground structure that will serve as an outdoor book nook. The structure will provide an alternative option for recess where students can read stories and connect with one another. The students also met with Stuart Cushman, USM’s chief operating officer, to discuss how the structure could be built economically and in alignment with existing structures. Students will be hosting fundraising efforts to further support the book nook.

In addition to the book nook, students are also working to develop a week of intentional, inclusive activities for Middle School called You Belong Week. During this week, students will have the option to participate in fun activities designed to foster a deeper sense of community, like crafting, a TV show watch party, dance/karaoke, and an arcade day.

The following students participated in the program: Ayike Asiki ’29, Arden Bloom ’29, Kira Finucane ’29, Amare Howard ’30, Edie King ’29, Sophie Kouklin ’29, Avi Lerner ’29, Estelle Mascari ’32, Charlotte Morgan ’32, Blythe Richardson ’31, Jay Rogall ’32, Aarohi Sandhar ’32, Logan Stanwyck ’29, Aisha Shittu ’29, Ravin Starks ’29, Serena Xiao ’32, and Sam Yuan ’29.

Many thanks to Shanee McCoy, director of inclusion, for serving as the faculty liaison for Project Belonging. Any Middle School students interested in participating should contact her.