After extensive discussion, Palo Alto High School’s Associated Student Body (ASB) changed the name of Not in Our Schools Week (NIOS) to Change in Our Schools Week (CIOS).
With a more positive outlook on the week, each day involved music on the quad, accompanied by an activity pertaining to the topic being addressed that day.
Monday and Tuesday were focused on defining an ideal Paly and all the things that make Paly great. On Wednesday of CIOS week, Paly’s Social Justice Pathway facilitated team building activities with the intention of instilling in students how to treat others. A new wellness program named Sources of Strength led activities on Thursday to spread values practiced within the program.
The last day’s theme was centered around student wellness and mental health. The activities ranged from yoga and mindfulness to tie dye.
In the past, NIOS had focused on dispelling derogatory -isms — such as racism or sexism — as well as homophobia and LGBTQ issues. The name change to CIOS was made by ASB to showcase positivity and address important questions.
“It’s extremely important not only to recognize issues but to be able to respond in a way that is better for both you and the greater world,” ASB Vice President Anmol Nagar said. “During CIOS, we address questions like ‘who are we as Paly?’, ‘What is my identity?’, ‘How do I treat others?’, ‘What are my sources of strength?’ And ‘how do I care for myself?’ ”
The week of April 25 to April 29, appointed ASB officer positions interviews took place. Some of the positions include Social Commissioner, Social Justice and School Climate Commissioner and PAUSD Board Representative. These series of interviews will determine who fills these new positions in the upcoming year. The results will be released today.
The much-anticipated ASB Volleyball tournament started Monday and will conclude later today. The teams battled ferociously for the sheer competition of it, but also to claim the prize of gift cards from Chipotle, Kirk’s Burgers and Jamba Juice.
The tournament gave the quad a relaxed vibe and encouraged healthy competition between teams. ASB Sports Commissioner Ariya Momeny is pleased with the turnout, however the scheduling of the tournament was not ideal.
“I think it’s going well so far,” Momeny said. “Some teams dropped unfortunately because of the strange timing of APs, Prom and finals this year.”
The primary change this year was a requirement for each team to have at least one person from each grade level in order to increase inclusivity. Students from all grades were required to participate as team members in the hopes of encouraging school unity and inter-grade community.
“[There were] no major changes,” Momeny said. “We just wanted more inter-grade participation so we made it mandatory for there to be a player from every grade on each team.”
