Student Council representatives from DPS schools meet to collaborate and learn from how other schools operate.
Photo by Becca Hansen
On Thursday January 12, 2012 the two head Student Council members from five DPS high schools attended a meeting at East High School to compare councils and how they function, learn about each school’s circumstances and situations within the schools, and share ideas between organizations.
East has met with other schools’ councils, both in DPS and out of district, and regarded the experience as beneficial. They invited all DPS school student councils to send two head members of their team to meet with East’s Head Boy and Head Girl. In all, five schools attended: East, Lincoln, Montebello, TJ, and West. “We did this a few years ago between DPS schools and the kids really came away with a better sense of respect of their peers from other schools and some great ideas,” said Tee MacDonald Director of Student Activities at East High School.
After sitting down with the other schools, TJ representatives elaborated on how Student Council functions and the events they plan and organize within the school. “Some of the first topics we discussed were our schools’ election processes, how to raise school spirit, and how to meet all our goals as a council under time constraints. I was surprised to learn that we were the only school there that does not have Student Council as a class. It was interesting to hear other schools have similar issues that we face here at TJ. However, it was also reassuring to hear that we have relatively minor issues,” said All School Vice President Daniel Wakefield.
After discussing common Student Council duties and issues they face as a whole, the group switched to problem solving and possible solutions. “We didn’t really know what to expect or what we would get out of the meeting at East. All the schools shared really positive ideas about how to get kids more enthusiastic and boost spirit. The other schools liked how we decorate the halls brown and gold on TJ day for Homecoming, and we learned some new ideas we’re hoping to use next year during the Homecoming pep rally. Some of the new ideas focus on competitions between the classes and class fundraisers,” said Wakefield.
Following up on the meeting, TJ representatives shared what they learned and what they took away from the experience with the administration and leadership advisors within the school. “It was great to hear what our students learned and the ideas they gained from the meeting. It helped us as adults in the school to hear the student voice, which is important to really be a successful community,” said Principal Sandra Just.
TJ’s student council plans to hold a council meeting this semester and include the juniors — and possibly underclassmen — to pass on the responsibility and leadership role within the school. “Finding out what other schools are doing gives validation to the things we’re doing as a council. Any advice or ideas we can gain from other schools can only benefit our students and us. I hope we can plan a similar meeting to pass the torch from our seniors this year on to following years,” said JoAnne Moreno.
