PAW PAW, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Despite the district being closed, Paw Paw Public School officials are continuing the process of finding their new mascot, virtually.
A survey to find a new representative for the district is now online because schools are shut down due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
In March, the Paw Paw Public School board voted to end using its “Redskins” mascot after many complained the name was racist.
An input process involving discussions in the classroom, assemblies, and other forms of contact was announced right after that decision to hear student feedback on the search for a new one.
Director of Curriculum and Instruction Corey Harbaugh says because they cannot meet in person, the school is now seeking mascot idea submissions through the web.
The online survey reads, “As part of creating our future identity, we are looking for a nickname that reflects the Paw Paw Public Schools spirit and can bring our student body together in the school spirit that comes from shared identity. Be creative!”
They add that during the process a 27-student task force will meet virtually or in person, depending on the current COVID-19 situation, to go over the name options and a community session will be held to allow for future collaboration and input.
The task force will begin with selecting the Top 10 suggestions, then the Top 3, and then a final vote will take place in June before it’s presented to the school board in July for their final approval. Students and community members will also be able to submit logo, branding, and mascot designs once the Top 3 nicknames are chosen.
All entries are due by April 24th at noon. The survey can be found here.
– Josh Scott contributed to this report –
