High School Laker Day: A Day of Empowerment and Preparedness

Nov. 18, 2024

 

The NYS Police EMT personnel instruct students on how to properly give CPR.

 

The halls of Cazenovia High School were recently buzzing with excitement as students in grades 8-12 dove into the 3rd annual Be a Laker Day. 

The Nov. 5 half-day event, packed with workshops and stations, focused on reinforcing the building's norms and expectations: Be safe, be kind, be respectful, be prepared and be your best. The high school’s leadership team spearheaded the day’s activities, which began with all students revisiting the district’s mission and vision statements and building norms to foundationally understand the day’s activities.

“The Laker Day’s main goal is to provide targeted time for our students to engage with faculty and community members to reinforce our building expectations with targeted workshops that align with our strategic plan. For example, our alumni panel was designed to support Goal 2 under Student Opportunities: Preparing students for post-secondary college and career opportunities. It was amazing to hear former students talk about how their time at Cazenovia shaped their pathways and journeys’ to current careers.”
 

Eighth grade students participated in workshops focused on looking inward at our different identities, how we each hold many different ones, and how we are better together because of our differences. Additionally, Interrupt, Questions, Educate, and Echo (IQEE) strategies were provided to help students engage safely with those who might say harmful things. IQEE is a set of steps to help people speak up against injustice and become advocates instead of bystanders. 

“We are focused on creating a community of care in our building with our students. Preventing bullying requires a multifaceted approach. Open communication, empathy, and bystander intervention are crucial,” Hagan said. “Cazenovia CSD implements these effective anti-bullying policies and programs early in the school year to promote a safe and supportive learning environment.”

Empathy and kindness were also discussed with the eighth grade students, with slides accompanying the discussion that displayed the definition of kindness, charts on identity, and ways to respond to bullying.

“Empathy can help schools create a more positive and inclusive environment,” Restorative Practices Coordinator and administrative intern Nicole Littlepage said. “By fostering empathy among students, schools can promote kindness, respect, and understanding, and reduce the likelihood of bullying occurring in the first place.”

Other stations brought the 10-12 grade students together with local community leaders for discussions on life paths after high school and sessions on future preparedness, including life-saving procedures.  

They participated in hands-on training sessions led by the New York State Police, learning vital first-aid skills, including CPR and how to stop severe bleeding. Additionally, a special course on underage drinking and DUI prevention highlighted the dangers of alcohol impairment through simulations and interactive activities. 

 

These special Laker Day activities aimed to educate students about preparedness and responsible decision-making.

“The success of Be a Laker Day is a testament to the dedication and collaboration between students, staff, and the community in fostering a supportive and inclusive educational environment,” Assistant Principal Chris Bubble said. “By engaging in meaningful activities and learning essential skills, students are not only enhancing their personal development but also preparing to contribute positively to their communities now and in the future. The partnership with the NYS Troopers and Madison County Emergency Management Training Center were paramount in running this special program”

Laker Day Grade-Specific Activities

• Grade 8: Students focused on kindness through classroom workshops and action stations in the library and auxiliary gym.

• Grade 9: A field trip to the Madison County Emergency Management Training Facility in Verona emphasizing safety and preparedness.

• Grades 10-12: These students rotated through three stations:

  • Be Safe: Learned essential first aid and CPR skills from New York State Police.

  • Be Your Best: Developed leadership and preparedness skills through a course led by New York State Police.

  • Be Prepared: Gained insights from alum panelists about the importance of preparation and future planning.