District gives update on Pickens Middle School learning sessions after parent feedback

PICKENS, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - The School District of Pickens County said they are opening lunchtime small group learning sessions at Pickens Middle School to all students on Friday based on feedback from parents.

A speaker, Adrienne Young, will be giving a presentation at Pickens Middle about unity on Friday. After the main presentation, the district says the school intended to have small group sessions for “specific minority groups” to allow students a safe space to ask questions.

Some parents reached out to FOX Carolina News with concerns about the learning sessions.

The school district released the following statement, saying all Pickens Middle School students will now have the option to attend the small group learning sessions:

“On Friday, April 15, 2022, a speaker has been asked to prepare a special virtual presentation for all students at Pickens Middle School. Later in the day, there will be 3 follow-up learning sessions. The original intentions were to use these small group learning sessions as an opportunity for students of specific minority groups to ask questions to the speaker surrounded by others like them - to create an increased sense of security for them to be open and candid. In order to make this a more comfortable experience, they decided to provide lunch during these learning sessions. Again, these small group sessions are additional to the main speech that will be provided for all students. Everyone is being included, but the intentions are for those most impacted by the topic to have an extra opportunity to have their questions answered.
Based on feedback from parents regarding the plans for the small group learning sessions, the school is providing an opportunity for all PMS students to have an option to attend the small group learning sessions.
One of the Core Beliefs of our school system states that “We believe the cultural diversity promotes full development of the individual and society.” Thank you for your support as we seek to strengthen our shared core values of inclusivity and respect.”
School District of Pickens County

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