Maine East, Maine West recognized for civics initiatives

The Illinois Democracy Schools Initiative has recognized Maine West and Maine East high schools for their efforts to bring civic learning experiences to the classroom.

Maine West earned recognition for discussing controversial issues through Gywnne Ryan's sociology classes. Students engaged in a lesson on "Making Privilege Visible" to address issues of racism, class and gender in the school, community and country.

The recognition for Maine East was for developing an internet forum for discussion of student issues. The school is hoping to use it as a

platform for students to engage each other in discussion of issues and concern across all three high schools in the district. Maine East also was recognized for sponsoring Anna Galland, executive director of Moveon.org, as a speaker during their lunch periods on May

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