The common thought among students is that teachers and other administrators run the learning environment. However, this is not all true. Yes, adults may have final say in all decisions, but students themselves have opportunities to give their opinion on what’s going on in the school. LHS, for instance, has a Student Leadership group that provides just this.
In past years, students would meet with their teachers and school administrators during Lunch with an Administrator, where students had the opportunity to make appointments with teachers to discuss the welfare of the school through students' eyes. However, in order to increase attendance at these meetings, they have been restructured. Meetings are now open to anyone who wishes to attend and share their opinions. Also, during these meetings, a structured schedule is followed to keep the meetings flowing.
Although the majority of students do not attend, many have expressed interest in attending.
"I would love to go to these meetings. I have some ideas I think the school could benefit from," junior Amanda Zhang says.
Now called Student Leadership Teams (in order to make the meetings seem more student-oriented than just teachers talking), they meet once a month, usually on a Friday during each lunch period in room 1107. Compared to years past, these gatherings have been attracting a significantly larger number of students from a variety of different grades.
"We wanted the name to reflect that we are trying to gain student insight, not just talk 'administrivia,'" Principal Marina Scott said.
Even with a more regimented agenda,these meetings have a very relaxed atmosphere, with students allowed to come and go as their schedules allow. There is also free pizza, salad, soda and cookies.
"I think [the meeting] is worth going to not only for the great free pizza, cookies and drinks--which is awesome--but the administrators make sure to seriously consider what you say at the meetings. The school really tries to listen to what people suggest or bring up and fix it," junior Maggie Meyer says.
The meetings commence with the obvious rush to the free food. After the commotion dies down, Dr. Scott, who leads the meetings (along with any other administrator who wishes to attend) opens up the discussion by asking for feedback on athletics, fine arts or student events.
“I think it is crucial to have student input on decisions in the school,” Dr. Scott said.
Popular subjects include anything from the school dances to the quality and diversity of the lunches offered during 7th period. After the initial question, the floor is opened up to any other comments from the students. Then Dr. Scott moves discussion towards academics.
DOI attended the February 4 meeting, where topics included whether or not the Skills for Success program is worth keeping, Writers Week, and the quality and consistency of writing in English classes.
Once again, after the initial questions presented by Dr. Scott, the students were allowed to submit any suggestions on how to improve any other aspect of the school, such as the Business Opportunities Fair or whether or not additional doors could be opened in the morning in the southwest wing of the building to accommodate students parking at Dymond or Nicholas Dowden.
After the final topic is discussed, students’ emails are collected so that Dr. Scott may email what occurred during the meeting to whomever attended (or has previously attended) any of the meetings.
Attendance at the meetings, although optional, could be beneficial to the student body. Aside from student council, this is one outlet for student voices. One student suggestion taken into action last year: the addition of a slushie machine next to Sandwich Central.
“Some of the changes won’t be seen until next year, but I try to ask [students] the questions when I need the input because [a] committee is at a decision-making stage,” Dr. Scott said.
photo by A. Mack