Blue Hills Regional Technical School Engages Students in Third Teen Speak Out
Students at Blue Hills Regional Technical High School engage one another during Teen Speak Out, a program aimed at fostering dialogue and mutual respect, which is being held this year for the third time at the school. (Photo courtesy Blue Hills Regional Technical School)
CANTON — Superintendent-Director Jill Rossetti and Principal Geoffrey Zini are proud to share that Blue Hills Regional Technical School is taking part in Teen Speak Out, which is a series of opportunities to engage in thoughtful dialogue, building up an ethic of empathy among students that empowers them to listen effectively to one another.
Teen Speak Out provides students with a forum to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and engage in structured conversations about issues that matter to them personally and collectively within the school’s culture.
Throughout the school year, a team of 22 student facilitators recommended by teachers and counselors have engaged in trainings for their eventual role in leading challenging discussions set for a culminating event on April 8. That’s when the student facilitators, including sophomores, juniors, and seniors, will guide roughly 80 to 100 of their peers in small-group discussions.
Early on during the Teen Speak Out program, student facilitators each spend a full school day in a diverse group of eight to 10 of their peers, going through a Teen Speak Out training process led by two students who are already well-versed in group facilitation
Blue Hills Adjustment Counselor Jeremy Fischer, who coordinates the program, said this is an opportunity for students to engage in authentic conversations with other students with whom they otherwise may never interact on important issues related to making the school a better place for everyone. Through this program, students can discover common ground and also will find their voice, using it to promote the betterment of the school environment and society more broadly.
“Teen Speak Out is structured to help students speak honestly and listen thoughtfully,” Fischer said. “The three pillars of the discussion are ‘What? So What? and Now What?’ This provides structure to help boil down to an essential understanding of elements of the school’s culture, its impact on students, and how to go forward for lasting positive impact.”
Tabitha May-Tolub, an Easton-based facilitator and coach, who ran the facilitator training for Teen Speak Out, said the program’s peer-driven approach to building community is both engaging and empowering.
“This program empowers students to communicate effectively, navigate challenging conversations, and appreciate the diversity of people and perspectives within their school,” Tabita May-Tolub said. “At Blue Hills, student leaders have consistently set the standard for mobilizing and uniting their school community. Relaunching this incredible program here has been an absolute honor, and I can’t wait to see the impact these leaders will continue to make.”
In addition to training their peers, the student facilitators will present the most effective practices for fostering respectful and meaningful dialogue to Blue Hills Regional Technical School teachers.
Students who participated in the Teen Speak Out so far have said they view it as a chance to realize the power they have to use their voice to inspire change for the better in the world around them.
“Teen Speak Out has helped me find the leader in me.” said one student, Deborah Montiero.
“Teen Speak Out taught me that my voice can make an impact, and it will teach you that as well,” said another student, Chip Bruin.
“Teen Speak Out is one program that needs to be experienced before it’s explained but, overall, Teen Speak out is a loved program led by us kids to help better the environment,” said one other, Margaret Debordes-Jackson.
Principal Zini said he sees Teen Speak Out as a chance to delve into the importance of constructive dialogue, emphasizing each other’s dignity and value.
“Teen Speak Out allows us to cultivate a school environment where students feel heard and understood,” Principal Zini said. “By equipping student facilitators with the skills to lead these conversations, we’re empowering them to be leaders who promote empathy and inclusivity among their peers.”
Superintendent-Director Rossetti requested that this program continue this year at Blue Hills Regional Technical High School after being discontinued during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program was first held during the 2017-18 school year, and it has consistently received positive feedback from teachers, counselors, and students.
“When students have a platform to share their voices and experiences, it helps us as educators to create a school culture that truly supports them,” Superintendent-Director Rossetti said. “Teen Speak Out gives us invaluable insights into what matters most to our students. I’m excited to hear and learn what is important to them because what is important to them is important to us. I’m incredibly proud of what Jeremy Fischer has done to coordinate this program, along with Principal Zini for his supportive approach and the dedication of our student facilitators and staff, who work together to make a positive impact through Teen Speak Out.”
For more information about Teen Speak Out or Blue Hills Regional Technical School, contact the Main Office at
781-828-5800.
Students at Blue Hills Regional Technical High School engage one another during Teen Speak Out, a program aimed at fostering dialogue and mutual respect, which is being held this year for the third time at the school. (Photo courtesy Blue Hills Regional Technical School)