Washington School for Girls Raise Their Voices on Gun Violence

July 11, 2018

Dr. Beth Reaves – Head of School, Washington School for Girls (WSG)

Every spring, our students select some of their favorite projects to showcase at the school’s annual Literacy Event. This year’s theme for the Literacy Event was “Our Voices Matter.” We are so proud of our students for using their voices to stand up for what they believe is right. We are especially in awe of our 7th graders whose presentations highlighted their concerns surrounding gun violence in our community and country.

“Our class thought this was a significant topic because we noticed how many children and adults frequently post pictures glorifying guns and other weapons. Guns are being promoted on social media, and we believe that it is our job to spread the word that guns are not cool.”

Guns & Bells by Kennedy & Saraia

Bells help you transition. They let you know when someone is coming.

They tell you when someone is calling your name.

RING. RING.

But guns, now, are the new bells. They transition you to God- not through classes.

They let you know when to run, hide, climb, pray, and cry.

Guns are a weapon incorporating a metal tube from which bullets ring out.

RING. RING.

Ringing: a sound that is meant to be holy. A sound that should make you excited.

RING. RING.

Someone is calling!

But this new bell…

I hear ringing down the block and feel devastated.

RING. RING.

We hear bells chime at school.

Parkland. 17 dead.

RING. RING.

We hear bells chime at church.

First Baptist. 26 dead.

Can you all please stop the ringing?

Daily, we, the adults, at WSG continue to learn from our students. This year’s Literacy Event was no exception. How delighted we are to have such outstanding “teachers!”



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