On Monday, Gloucester students, parents and supporters attended a student led rally to show support for their teachers and paraprofessionals.
Educators have been on strike for twelve days, with students being out of school for seven of those days.
During the rally, students and community members walked from Gloucester High School to the boulevard, where educators were waiting to cheer them on.
“I think that now more than anything, our teachers need our support,” GHS junior Emma Alves said. “The School Committee is trying to make it seem like it’s the teachers’ fault for us not being in school. The School Committee needs to stop placing blame on the teachers.”
Emma along with classmates, Kate and Anaya, were the rally leaders, leading chants of “fair contract now”, and “students fight back”.
After walking to the boulevard, educators joined the students in their walk back to the high school, where speeches were given by students in the elementary, middle, and high schools.
“When I got to 7th grade, I grew an amazing bond with my teachers,” O’Maley 8th grader Nat Tucker said. “They helped me through challenges with not only academic work but with my mental health…This strike has taught me to stick together and love one another no matter what.”
Students also showed frustration with the School Committee in regards to the drama club and tech week for the high school.
“I pour my heart and soul into performing, and I am saddened by the cancellation of our first concert and the delay of our tech week, which is necessary to put our show together,” GHS senior Melody Mattson said. “Today I speak solemnly while my community and I grieve the loss of our respect…You will hear us, because when we fight, we win.”
