Give Carlisle Students 30 Days to Prove They Can Be Responsible!

 

Hi ! My name is Caroline Dailey and I represent the Beyond the Bell Committee, a group of Carlisle middle school students asking for a 30-day trial to use the Plaza for 43 minutes after school.

When we lost access to the Plaza eight weeks ago, we didn't just complain. We organized a committee, collected nearly 700 signatures on paper and on Change.org, attended public meetings, and worked with town officials to find a solution.

We have developed a plan that addresses safety, supervision, and student responsibility.

Putting Carlisle's Portrait of a Graduate Into Practice

Carlisle's Portrait of a Graduate - District Objectives asks students to become resilient learners, responsible individuals, caring citizens, advocates for fairness, creative problem-solvers, independent thinkers, and effective communicators and collaborators.

We believe we have already demonstrated these qualities. We've questioned a decision respectfully, listened to different perspectives, organized our community, and worked to develop a solution.

Now we're asking for the opportunity to demonstrate independence and personal responsibility.

If these are the qualities Carlisle expects students to develop, shouldn't we be given opportunities to practice them?

Our 30-Day Trial Plan

Clear boundaries: Traffic cones will divide the Plaza into designated areas for middle school and elementary students. The boundaries will remain in place during elementary dismissal at 3:05 PM, keeping walkways and pickup areas clear.

Student Code of Conduct: Students will agree to respect others, share the space, follow safety rules, listen to adults, and take responsibility for their behavior.

Individual accountability: Students who break the rules will face individual consequences rather than everyone losing access because of one person's actions.

The Handbook States: The school already allows students to gather, play, and socialize without adult supervision. It also explains that if one student has a behavior problem, that student could lose the privilege of using the space. student-handbook

Emergency support: The Recreation Commission supports the proposal and has offered access to bathrooms in the Brick Building, first aid supplies, and an adult contact in emergencies. We will work with school administrators to establish procedures for injuries and disciplinary concerns. "The Recreation Commission supports being a part of a solution allowing the use of restrooms in the Brick Building, first aid supplies and an adult contact in the event of an emergency. The Recreation Commission is happy to work with the school administration to find solutions that works for all involved parties."

30-day review: After the trial, students and school leaders can evaluate what worked and what needs improvement.

We understand that independence comes with rules and consequences. We aren't asking for special treatment or unlimited freedom. We're asking school leaders to work with us to address any remaining concerns and give our plan a fair chance.

Please Support Our 30-Day Trial

We're not asking for a permanent decision. We're asking for 30 days to show that we can follow the rules, respect younger students, and take responsibility for ourselves.

Thirty days. Clear rules. Shared responsibility. A chance to earn trust.

Please sign our petition asking Superintendent Crozier and Carlisle School Committee leadership to approve a 30-day trial of after-school Plaza access.

With Gratitude,

— The Beyond the Bell Committee

For more details on the 30 Proposal: Presentation to the Superintendent 11-3