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Caruso students turn reflection‑room time into 'Community Corner' interviews; teacher seeks board participation
Summary
At the Sept. 18 board meeting a Caruso teacher and student described Community Corner, a student interview project that grew from reflection‑room time; the student asked board members to visit for interviews and the district agreed to coordinate schedules.
A Caruso teacher and an eighth‑grade student described how a school program called Community Corner turned reflection‑room time into a student‑led interview series that highlights staff across the school, and asked board members to participate.
"Hi. Good evening. I'm Dana Spees," the teacher said, introducing the program. Student Sean told the board he began the project after being sent to a reflection room: "She told me and my friend Jonah to instead of just sitting there... to go walk around... and we interviewed him," he said of their first interview with the school's custodian. Sean described interviewing cafeteria staff, bus drivers and other employees to learn personal facts and share them with students.
Why it matters: administrators said the project helps students build confidence and community connections. Teacher Dana Spees said the initiative moved students from punitive time in reflection to purposeful engagement and that younger students may continue the program as current eighth‑graders graduate. Sean asked whether some board members could visit Caruso next week to be interviewed for Community Corner; Kathy offered to coordinate schedules and staff pledged to help with photos and logistics.
Details provided at the meeting included plans to rename the initiative Community Connections to align with the district slogan, student‑produced photos and short video clips used in school communications, and a request that board members contact Kathy to arrange visits. Board members praised Sean's work during the public meeting and encouraged the school to continue the program.
Next steps: Kathy will coordinate schedule availability for interested board members to visit Caruso for student interviews; administrators will follow up to finalize dates and media consent logistics.
