This is Our Dream

When it comes to making changes in our schools, there are two sides to the story. On one end, there are things that parents, government and education systems (read "adults") want. This category of wants include better curriculums, better college prep programs, more foreign language courses and the such. The other (and sometimes less acknowledged) part of the equation is what the students themselves want in terms of improvements. It is for this reason that Camp Odyssey's "Marvelous Rock Stars" were posed the question "How Would You Change School?"

Many in attendance called for technological changes. Some asked for things such as phones, IPods, tablets, and other portable devices to be allowed for personal use. Others like Sere Hainesworth, in the area of school security and tech, asked for the removal of metal detectors and other methods of searches. Jelani Thorne wanted his school to get with the times and acquire some up to date technology for educational use.

The lunchroom sparked some pretty interesting conversation as well. "Real Food" was the plea of a number of the students. Yasmeen Mahdi specifically asked for "real meat" in the school lunches.  Dejah Distance just asked for "better food" in general. Courtney Holmes wanted her school to serve "steak, crab cakes (a Maryland cuisine staple), and potatoes," as a part of their lunch program.

In the area of student freedoms, it could be argued that many, if not all, of the M.R.S believed that they did not have enough freedom at their particular places of learning. Jalen Cash made this apparent when he asked flat-out for "no rules" and "extended recess."  Areyon Williams wanted the ability to choose her own classes and schedule for the day. Williams also wanted the ability to pick her own trips and have games at the end of lessons. Despite the fact that most of the students are headed to or in middle school, some, such as Holmes, wanted there to be a naptime during their day.

Other suggestions included: cleaner bathrooms, "three ply" toilet paper, longer school days, more extracurricular activities, movies during lunch, lower vending machine prices, and student elevator use.

For more on these "Marvelous Rock Stars," continue to tune in to the Odyssey Expressions!

"Camp Odyssey. Many members, One Camp!"