Plymouth Whitemarsh High School students make final presentation as part of Dreaming Forward initiative

Plymouth Whitemarsh High School students shared information about work going on at the high school to promote inclusion and belonging with other high school students, superintendents, principals, and Montgomery County Intermediate Unit (MCIU) representatives this April as part of the Dreaming Forward initiative.

Rayannah Abdulla, Sumbul Khursheed, Stephanie Davies, Christopher Gekonge, and Roman Horning delivered a presentation to showcase Plymouth Whitemarsh’s efforts as part of the culminating event for the Dreaming Forward program for this year. The students discussed how belonging is enhanced through peer-to-peer interactions, analyzing data from the PSSM (Psychological Sense of School Membership) survey, and what they will continue to do to maintain the progress that has been made. Students from other Montgomery County schools, as well as superintendents, principals, and leaders from the MCIU engaged with the students and expressed their admiration for the presentation.

The Dreaming Forward initiative is organized by the MCIU as a way for students from across the county to discuss ways to cultivate welcoming and supportive environments in their schools. Students who belong to the group met four times over the course of the school year.

Back at Plymouth Whitemarsh, the work to enhance understanding and deepen feelings of inclusion and belonging will continue on May 18. Students who belong to affinity groups within the high school will get to learn from each other through a “Cultural Club Collaboration” event, which is meant to foster understanding, respect, and appreciation for the diversity within the school district community.