Thank you to our Safe & Supportive Schools Committee members!

Leaders of the Safe & Supportive Schools Committee said a tearful goodbye this morning to seven of their members, who are graduating this spring. Many of these students joined the Safe & Supportive Schools Committee as freshmen during COVID-19 and attended their first meetings on a video call. Now, four years later, these students are leaving behind a legacy of change and leadership at Richfield High School. 

“These students have made incredible, real change during their time at Richfield High School,” said Christina Gonzalez, director of student support services and one of the facilitators of the Safe & Supportive Schools Committee. “We are so proud of the leaders they have become, and can’t wait to see where they go in the future.” 

The purpose of the Safe & Supportive Schools Committee is to elevate student voice by providing feedback and revisions to Richfield’s policies and practices. The students have been integral in revising procedures related to dress code, behavior and attendance policies, ensuring that the changes reflect the needs of our diverse and remarkable student and family community.

During their last meeting this morning, seniors thanked the committee members and leaders for creating a space where they could be raw and authentic, and for making them feel heard and valued. Multiple students talked about how proud they were to leave behind a legacy at RHS and create a stepping stone for future students to make changes. 

Dr. Daniels, the assistant superintendent, closed the meeting with words of wisdom: “Wherever you go, whatever you do, you can always be a leader. You don’t have to be in a position of leadership or hold a special title to be a leader. You can always lead from where you are planted.” 

We want to thank these students for their commitment, energy, dedication and leadership over the last four years. Our district is a better place because of them!