Six Miriam High School students had the opportunity to explore diversity from all angles in late February, attending MICDS’ Student Diversity Conference.
The conference, titled “Diversity in Motion: Unity on Every Loop,” was led by students, for students - from MICDS and five other area schools, including Miriam. The schools applied for the opportunity to attend.
Miriam High School Principal Vicki Thurman said she is always looking for the chance to connect with students at other schools to broaden our students’ perspective. “I saw it as an opportunity to not only practice collaboration and social skills, but as a way for them to explore other dimensions of diversity that make up who they are.”
Andrew, Caitlyn and Nyhlaia, three of the Miriam students who attended the conference, all agreed it was a great experience to meet other people and hear different perspectives.
Throughout the day, students broke into groups for various activities, changing groupings each time. They attended mini learning sessions on topics such as microaggressions and intersectionality.
“I really wasn’t familiar with microaggressions before this,” Andrew said. “It was really interesting to learn about things like that.”
They also divided into affinity groups, joining the group with which they identified most. Nyhlaia joined the African American group, which she said was the largest group.
“I love being around my race,” Nyhlaia said. “I feel like they can relate to me well, and I understand how people treat them.
Andrew, who joined the Asian group, felt similarly, saying, “It was nice talking to people who are similar to me who might share my same experience.”
Caitlyn said she wishes the conference had more representation of disabilities. She said she felt a little bit out of place, as a white female with a disability who identifies with the LGBTQ community. She embraced the discomfort, however.
“It’s perfectly fine, though. You’re going to feel out of place at some times, and it’s ok.” Caitlyn said she really enjoyed hearing others’ perspectives throughout the day.
Karen Cross, a Miriam teacher who accompanied students to the conference, said she is proud of how open and receptive Miriam students were to the whole experience.
In addition to the diversity programming, Andrew said he just loves talking to new people. “I like doing things like that, where you meet new people and make new friends,” he said.
Thurman said she hopes Miriam will have the opportunity to attend the conference again. “We would love to return, and I hope to have the students lead a conversation on neurodiversity acceptance. Our students can bring a perspective of neurodiversity to other populations.”
I AM #ChangingTheNarrative
At Miriam, we know children must not be defined by their challenges. Miriam is #changingthenarrative about students with disabilities or learning challenges by focusing on their strengths. Our students are seen and celebrated for all that they are.
On Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, my daughter Lucy and I had the privilege of visiting the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. We were among hundreds of people from around the world who had gathered to pay our respects and reflect on the sacrifices made for freedom and peace. Standing in that sacred space on a day dedicated to Dr. King’s legacy, during the week of the presidential inauguration, provided a powerful day of reflection.
Your child needs a tutor. Maybe they are struggling to learn to read as a first-grader, or perhaps they need a little help to make it through geometry in high school. Where do you start?
Wishing you a very happy beginning to 2025! Miriam School, although covered in glistening snow, is bustling with our students’ return to school and the promise of all of the good things that happen here throughout our winter months.
At Miriam School and Learning Center, the mission is clear: help children with special educational needs unlock their full potential. The K-12 educational institution draws on more than 60 years of experience in the field to provide a highly personalized learning environment that brings the best in every child.
Rob Miller was inspired to open his pottery studio to people of all abilities when his grandson, Connor, was born with cerebral palsy eight years ago.
A steady stream of power tools could be heard from the woodworking class, held in the science lab. The rhythm of the Electric Slide and other slide dance songs echoed from the gym, filling the air with energy and movement.
Miriam Learning Center is continually working to address needs in the community regarding students with learning differences. It’s no secret that we, as a society, are in the midst of a teacher shortage – and special education teachers are in even shorter supply. Enter Miriam’s Gen Ed to Special Ed teacher training program!
Wishing you a very blessed and joyful holiday season. Many wonderful events have happened in our organization over the last month as we continue to foster a sense of community and belonging. I had the pleasure of hosting two Community Coffees at both campuses to introduce our strategic plan.
Students at Miriam School and Learning Center learn differently, as classes provide individualized curriculum that often includes integrated speech and occupational therapy. At the high school, which is home to 40 students, teachers and staff place a major emphasis on preparing students for life after high school.
Four high school musicians have joined an after-school club led by Travis Lewis from Jazz St. Louis. They’ve formed a rhythm section – drums, bass, guitar and keyboard – with a jazz focus but also encompassing other music that is of interest to the students.
As the 2024 election approaches, I have been fascinated observing how differently our students are processing and engaging with the election compared to those at the traditional college preparatory school where I previously worked. Our faculty and staff have noted relatively little conversation among students about the election despite the prevalence of viewpoints on TikTok and other social media sites about the election and candidates.
Miriam Learning Center, an integral part of Miriam School and Learning Center, is excited to announce the expansion of its specialized services into St. Charles County. This expansion will provide critical tutoring and testing services for students with diverse learning needs.
At Miriam, magic isn’t just a word; it’s a way of life. Choosing our mascot, Miriam Magic, was a decision that was heartfelt and symbolic.
Many Miriam Lower/Middle School students will dribble their way to new skills this month – skills they can use both on and off the basketball court.
Miriam School and Learning Center is proud to announce that the Rotary Club of St. Louis has generously awarded a $20,000 scholarship to support students in need of financial assistance. This year’s recipient, Remi W., a ninth grader from St. Ann, is a talented young student with a dream of becoming an artist and a passion for learning.