MAYNARD — Maynard Public Schools is expanding a student-led training program at Maynard High School that focuses on recognizing and responding to microaggressions.
According to Maynard Public Schools Superintendent Brian Haas, the program, called “Let’s Talk About Microaggressions,” will be presented to students in Grades 9, 11 and 12 during the 2026-2027 school year. Current sophomores participated in the training last spring.
Training for seniors is scheduled to begin Thursday, Oct. 1, as part of the school’s Tiger Day activities. Students in Grades 9 and 11 will participate later in the school year.
“Microaggressions are statements, actions or incidents that can convey indirect, subtle or unintentional discrimination toward members of marginalized groups,” Superintendent Haas said in a statement. “During the training, students will learn about three types of microaggressions and discuss why it is important to avoid jokes, comments or behaviors that make assumptions about or negatively reference another person’s identity.”
The initiative began after Hannah Peters, a 2025 Maynard High School graduate, joined the district’s Safe and Supportive Schools Committee during her senior year. Peters participated in focus groups, identified a need for greater awareness of microaggressions and advocated for training at the school, Superintendent Haas said.
Last fall, Director of Curriculum Deanna LeBlanc partnered with Claire Galloway Jones of Galloway Jones Consulting Group, which works with schools, nonprofits and community organizations on diversity and inclusion.
Galloway Jones gave a presentation to Maynard Public Schools staff in November 2025 and later helped prepare students to lead discussions with their peers.
The district subsequently worked with Galloway Jones to train 18 student volunteers to serve as peer trainers.
Superintendent Haas said 79% of students who participated in the first year of the program reported that they could recognize a microaggression following the training. Students also reported being 63% more likely to speak up if they heard a microaggression after the first training.
This school year, students will participate in two Flex Block sessions organized by grade level. The sessions will include discussions led by student trainers, videos, and interactive exercises. An adult will also be present during each session.
Superintendent Haas said other school districts, including Medfield Public Schools, have learned about Maynard’s program and begun exploring similar initiatives.
“I am incredibly proud of the students who stepped forward to become our peer trainers,” Maynard High School Assistant Principal Olga Doktorov said. “They have taken on an important leadership role and have helped us to create a program that allows students to collaborate and learn from one another. This work is ultimately about making sure every member of our school community feels that they belong and helping our students become thoughtful, respectful young adults both inside and outside of Maynard Public Schools.”
Maynard Public Schools said it plans to continue developing the program in future years.
