Our Wildwood, Summer 2021, Volume 46

THROUGH THE YEARS A Celebration of Activism

Our Students Change the World

Middle and Upper School

“Wildwood has a long-standing vision of educating the whole student—mind and heart—to make meaning of their world. They discover paths into their future by finding their identity and their passions, ultimately uncovering a passage that leads to leadership, progress, and social activism. Valuing self and community motivates Wildwood students to embrace courage and empathy, to search for a different perspective, to become a good neighbor and a global citizen. These are just some of the examples our compassionate, effective change-makers have made in the community.”

INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT (ICI) Wildwood’s first international service trip in 2005 to Vietnam inspires the development of a permanent program focused on service learning and global citizenship, underscoring the value of an expanded worldview. AFFINITY GROUPS Affinity groups are launched in 2007 to enhance cross-racial dialogue related to identity. EVERY BODY’S RESTROOM In 2013, students led the transition of the single-stall restroom in the Gallery from unisex to gender-neutral for all members of the community, regardless of gender identity. Subsequently, all single middle and upper school bathrooms changed to gender-neutral and a similar initiative followed on the elementary campus. WILDWOOD INSTITUTE FOR SOCIAL LEADERSHIP (WISL) The Institute addresses challenging social issues, cultivates in students the expertise needed for grass-roots organizing, and provides them the skills to serve as nonprofit leaders, volunteers, and trustees. MARCH FOR OUR LIVES Students participate in the 2018 March for Our Lives demonstrations after the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT (CI) For the past 20 years, passionate student advocates have been nurtured through the integration of classroom curriculum with on-site work experiences in local and global communities. HUMAN RIGHTS The human rights curriculum begins a 20-year examination of contemporary issues as mapped against classical theory. ELECTIONS CURRICULUM Presidential election programming and election curriculum during non-presidential election years is an ongoing part of teaching about the American experience. WAR ON IRAQ PROTEST After studying the constitutionality of the Patriot Act and the NSA and legalities of spying, students protest in an unsanctioned walkout in 2003. SOCIAL JUSTICE The Wildwood Human Rights Watch Student Task Force launches in 2004 to provide an ongoing platform for student-led “educate to advocate” participation in issues impacting human dignity, freedom, equality, or justice. MARCH FOR BRING BACK OUR GIRLS Gender Equality Club marches for the 2004 Bring Back Our Girls campaign.

—DEB CHRISTENSON, UPPER SCHOOL HUMANITIES

Elementary School

PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS From the 1970s through to today, the 5th grade organizes mock elections with polling stations, registration tables, and ballots.

TRASHION SHOW Launched 20 years ago, this

runway-styled repurposed fashion extravaganza immerses K-5 students in environmental issues.

ACTIVIST PROJECTS Since 2013, yearlong lessons

engage students in understanding themselves better as individuals and as part of a system, culminating in a 5th grade project for the community.

MARCH FOR BLACK LIVES MATTER

Students and alumni raise their voices for the Black Lives Matter movement at demonstrations across the country.

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