On October 8, the families of LS students were invited to an interactive presentation of the MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey findings. The evening began with a presentation of an overview of the survey, emphasizing its significance and highlighting standout trends from previous years compared to this year’s data. Following the presentation, families engaged in a “world café” style walkaround, where volunteer student representatives displayed their research on specific sections of the survey results. For example, two students studied sexual behaviors at LS and shared their concern over alarming trends related to rape. They reflected that reviewing the data over the past few weeks made them more aware of issues within their own community, and made them aware of issues they hadn’t explored previously. Another student expressed surprise at the results, noting that while LS is actively working toward solutions, the findings can still feel disheartening.
Families had the opportunity to explore the data alongside the student presenters, many of whom were equally surprised at the results, especially by trends related to substance use. One parent described being “horrified by the statistics on drinking, drugs, self-doubt, anxiety, and suicide.” She also questioned where students are accessing substances and what preventive actions are in place at LS. On the other hand, a different parent noted that the results were not as shocking as expected. Despite this, he did admit that it was disappointing, as he had hoped to see better outcomes. He also appreciated LS’s counseling resources, while acknowledging that it seemed hard to access these resources, just as it seemed to be difficult to find time in the day or that there was stigma around accessing support. Both of these adults wished to remain unnamed.
At the end of the evening, Mr. Bloom and Ms. Greeley, the organizers of the event, urged community members to get involved, stressing the need for parents to help drive change. They asked: “How can we get more people engaged and aware of these issues?” Several parents remarked that emails about the event or survey results were lost among the flood of school communications, and that they wish this could have been an event to “stand out amongst the clutter.” All acknowledged that they wished more of the community had been able to be present for this event, and hope that the information reaches them nonetheless.
Ultimately, parents agreed that open conversations both at school and at home about the issues presented by the survey findings are essential to creating meaningful change. By keeping these issues at the forefront of their minds, the community can continue working toward solutions that make a lasting impact.
