Addison Trail recognizes and celebrates Women’s History Month

Throughout March, Addison Trail will host several events to honor and recognize Women’s History Month. The school’s theme this year is “Women who tell our stories.”

According to https://womenshistorymonth.gov, this is a time to commemorate and encourage the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history.

• On March 14, 10 Addison Trail students had the opportunity to see Dolores Huerta speak at Dominican University (see photos above). According to womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/dolores-huerta, Huerta is one of the most influential labor activists of the 20^thcentury and a leader of the Chicano civil rights movement. She also is the co-founder of the United Farm Workers Association. During the presentation, Huerta discussed what young people can do to affect change. She stressed the importance of using nonviolence and respect for humanity when approaching protest and the need to dialogue with those who have varying opinions, thoughts and perspectives. She also emphasized the importance of voting and civic engagement/responsibility. Huerta concluded by standing up and leading the crowd in a rousing call of “Sí, se puede” (“Yes, it can be done”), the phrase she coined in the 1970s.
  
  
• On March 21, the school will host a movie night featuring the Aretha Franklin biopic “Respect.”
  
  
• On March 23, the school will host a Poetry Slam to give students the opportunity to tell and share their own stories.
  
  
• On March 23, female students are invited to participate in S.H.E. Day, which stands for Support one another, Honor each other and Evolve together. This session will be a space where students can share their stories, connect with one another and support each other in achieving their dreams. Participants will learn from/experience inspiring presentations and be part of engaging workshops.
  
  
• Students in Addison Trail social studies teacher Laura Magnavite’s Equity and Justice in America class designed mini-lessons for other staff members to use to teach about a diverse group of female storytellers, including journalists, novelists, songwriters and photographers.
  
  
• Staff members are invited to join a Women's History Staff Book Club, where they will read “Lessons in Chemistry" by Bonnie Garmus.