Supporting student leadership
![5thGradePrincipalsCouncil]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1771510182/edgemontorg/fj5putax8asntfle11wf/StudentTalking.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1771510182/edgemontorg/fj5putax8asntfle11wf/StudentTalking.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1771510182/edgemontorg/fj5putax8asntfle11wf/StudentTalking.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1771510182/edgemontorg/fj5putax8asntfle11wf/StudentTalking.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1771510182/edgemontorg/fj5putax8asntfle11wf/StudentTalking.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1771510182/edgemontorg/fj5putax8asntfle11wf/StudentTalking.png","width":2200}])
From the check-in to the wrap up, the students in Seely Place Elementary’s Fifth Grade Principal’s Advisory Committee had a lot to say. What they shared was from the heart and top of mind and said a lot about how comfortable they felt with each other, and with their principals.
The monthly meetings with Principal Eve Feuerstein and Assistant Principal Nathaniel Peterson are one of the ways that the school develops student leadership. Other initiatives, including a sixth grade Principal’s Advisory Committee, Student Council and Morning Greeters, help foster a culture of empowerment. “They build students’ skills in empathy, responsibility and communication,” said Principal Feuerstein.
Small questions brought out big learnings.
“My friend wanted me to find out if she could run a flower shop for Valentine’s Day,” said one student.
“The district has a code of conduct,” said Principal Feuerstein. “One of the things it states is that we can’t sell things on school grounds.”
Assistant Principal Peterson introduced the topic of WIN (What I Need) time, the flexible segment students have each day. It’s used for band and orchestra lessons; reading, math and related service appointments; free time and small-group instruction within the classroom, whether that be for struggling students or an enrichment for advanced learners.
“That’s when I read,” said one student.
“I love Fitness Fridays,” said another, referring to the active games that teachers run in the classroom.
Another favorite activity was playing City Guesser, a game in which the students see video of a city, and they guess where it is.
All too soon, the meeting was over.
“Me gusto Principal’s Advisory Committee,” said one student as she left.
“Yo también,” said Principal Feuerstein