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Students join school committee as liaisons through Student Leadership Academy
Summary
Five students from the Student Leadership Academy introduced themselves and described roles that will place student liaisons on district advisory groups and community boards.
Five students participating in the Watertown High School Student Leadership Academy introduced themselves at the March 24 School Committee meeting and described the Academy’s structure and community placements.
Program and placements: The district said the academy has 18 students in total and that participating students are assigned to a range of civic and advisory roles: three students work with the superintendent’s advisory group, three are liaisons to the Watertown Human Rights Commission, four serve on the Watertown Free Public Library Teen Advisory Board, and two are participating in the City of Watertown’s Civics Academy. Presenters said the Civics Academy is typically adult-facing but the city invited two students to participate to provide youth input on municipal decisions.
Student statements: Students described motivations for joining, expressed interest in advocacy and peer feedback and said they would provide the committee with “real-time” feedback on decisions that affect students. Students noted their involvement in clubs, community organizations and activities including sports and leadership groups.
Committee response and next steps: Committee members welcomed the students, noted that students will appear in pairs at upcoming meetings, and said student voice is important to district decision-making. The district said it expects students to continue attending meetings and participating in the listed advisory roles throughout the year.
