February 6, 2023 by Eliza Krackeler (’24)
The sense of isolation is well known to the Saratoga community thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic. This feeling is not, however, exclusive to the time in quarantine. Many Saratoga Springs High SChool students struggle with handling their emotional and/or physical situations, but fall short of finding an outlet in someone who understands them.
Kayla Gatt, student member of the Ally program, said, “I think it [the Ally Program] will help a lot with people who don’t know where to go, or who feel alone.” The group’s aim is to offer support to those who seek it out and to help make a plan with the student to ensure they’re getting the help they need. The group particularly focuses on helping students from marginalized backgrounds.
It’s also a way to create better allies out of staff members. The younger members of the Ally program help assist the teachers on learning the best ways to interact with their students. Building a connection between a teacher and student can seem like a daunting task, but the Ally Program is there to bridge the gap and make the process run smoothly.
This aspect of the group’s mission shows students the staff members who are there to help them. Their aim is to ease the anxiety of approaching an authority figure. “A bond between staff and students with trust and respect creates a better school environment,” said Katherine Green, a student member of the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee.
The program plans to send out emails and post flyers around the school for information on how to get in touch with a student or staff ally. The members in the program emphasize the importance of a student reaching out if they need something. They want to ensure that the high school feels like more than just a school, where all needs are met and students feel safe.