Students from across campus had the opportunity to participate. Any student could sign up, while staff members also nominated students they felt would bring valuable perspectives to the conversation. During the circles, students began with low-risk questions designed to build comfort and connection before gradually moving into more challenging questions connected to feedback from our student climate survey.
Our ASB Leadership students facilitated the circles, using skills they have intentionally developed in listening, asking thoughtful follow-up questions and creating an environment where students could speak honestly without fear of judgment. Their kindness, positive energy and willingness to listen helped set the tone for productive conversations.
This year, Liberty has also added PLUS, or Peer Leaders Uniting Students, an additional group of students being trained to lead student forums and help facilitate peer problem-solving around issues students identify on campus. PLUS students are working alongside our ASB Leadership students during the Listening Circles and will eventually take the lead in facilitating future circles. This creates an important student voice structure where students are not only sharing concerns, but also helping our school identify and address them.
The first round of Listening Circles surfaced a number of meaningful themes. Students talked about the importance of friendships and having supportive relationships at school. They shared a desire for more opportunities to be involved and expressed concerns about making sure activities and events feel inclusive of all students, not just certain groups. Students also discussed academic pressure and time management, relationships between students and staff, bathroom sanitation and access, discriminatory language and the need for more spaces where everyone feels they belong.
Students also shared that some of their peers are unaware of the supports available to them at Liberty, reminding us of the importance of continuing to communicate the many resources available on our campus. Other ideas included opportunities for more diverse classes and continued attention to ensuring that students feel represented and included in school activities.
Just as important as what students discussed was what they told us made the conversations successful. Students appreciated the honesty and respect in the circles, the use of talking pieces, having time to think before responding and the affirming way students responded to one another. They also noted that the attitude, kindness and energy of the student facilitators helped create a positive and nonjudgmental environment.
At the end of each circle, students had the opportunity to reflect on the experience itself. They provided feedback about what worked, what could be improved and topics they believe should be part of future conversations. That feedback will help our student facilitators continue to grow and make each round of Listening Circles more meaningful.
Listening Circles are not about having all the answers. They are about making sure we are listening to the people who experience our school every day.
We are grateful to the students who were willing to speak honestly, to those who listened with an open mind, and to our ASB and PLUS student leaders who are helping create a culture where every voice matters and every Patriot has a place to belong.