JFK middle school educator honored with civil rights award
Mareatha Wallace, a paraeducator, at JFK Middle School in Northampton. SUBMITTED PHOTO
Published: 5/5/2021 9:13:10 AM
NORTHAMPTON Mareatha Wallace, a paraeducator at JFK Middle School, has won the Louise Gaskins Lifetime Civil Rights Award from the Massachusetts Teachers Association.
The award is named after Gaskins, who is described on the association’s website as “a pioneer for the involvement of women and people of color in education,” and that nominees for the award should embody “the qualities of humility, leadership and tenacity that Louise Gaskins has brought wherever she has served.”
“I was really excited. But also kind of like why? It’s just what I do,” Wallace said of receiving the award. “I’m honored and humbled that my colleagues felt that I deserved this award but I guess I don’t do it for the award. I do it because it’s the right thing to do. And there’s never a wrong time to do
Confederate flag banned in Northampton schools
STAFF PHOTO/CAROL LOLLIS
Published: 3/12/2021 6:02:29 PM
NORTHAMPTON The Confederate flag is officially banned from Northampton schools, with the exception of its use in educational contexts.
At its meeting Thursday night, the School Committee voted unanimously to ban the Confederate flag in school and to refer a related, broader policy to a subcommittee for review.
More than 100 people attended the Zoom meeting, which also included discussion of other topics. During public comment, Mareatha Wallace, an educational support professional at JFK Middle School, urged the committee to pass a ban, and go further.
“While banning the Confederate flag is a necessary part, we still have a long way to go to become a safe and equitable school system for all,” Wallace said. “I request that the School Committee take a small step while committing to everyone that we can all do better by ourselves and our students.”
School Committee votes to ban Confederate flag in Northampton schools
Updated Mar 12, 2021;
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NORTHAMPTON Displays of the Confederate flag are now banned within the city’s school district.
By unanimous vote Thursday, the 10-member School Committee approved a ban on displays of the flag by students, staff and visitors on school property, at school-sponsored activities and during virtual events and learning. The measure allows the flag to be shown in library and other learning materials, during lessons or as a part of an assignment supervised by a teacher.
More than 100 people attended the virtual meeting Thursday night, with about 10 people speaking in favor of the ban prior to the vote.
Ban on Confederate flag urged in Northampton schools
Desmond Caldwell, principal of JFK Middle School, addresses a crowd that gathered to denounce racism on Wednesday February 24, 2021.
Published: 2/25/2021 9:39:44 PM
NORTHAMPTON JFK middle schooler Willa Polin has seen the Confederate flag in school hallways and on Zoom, she told the School Committee on Thursday night.
“This is a symbol of hate in a place that is supposed to be safe,” she said. “It doesn’t belong in our schools. I believe that a better world is possible, and I believe banning the Confederate flag is one step closer to that better world.”
Racist social media post spurs rally to support JFK Middle School principal
Mareatha Wallace, an education support professional at JFK Middle school, leads a group in “Lift Every Voice,” when a crowd gathered in support of Principal Desmond Caldwell and to denounce racism. STAFF PHOTO/CAROL LOLLIS
Desmond Caldwell, principal of JFK Middle School in front of the school on Wednesday. STAFF PHOTO/CAROL LOLLIS
Desmond Caldwell, principal of JFK Middle School in front of the school on Wednesday. STAFF PHOTO/CAROL LOLLIS
Desmond Caldwell, principal of JFK Middle School, addresses a crowd that gathered to denounce racism on Wednesday. STAFF PHOTO/CAROL LOLLIS