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Students highlight community engagement, Black Youth Leadership Summit and 'We Are GP' leadership effort
Summary
Students from North Middle School and Grants Pass High School described community partnerships, Black Youth Leadership Summit experiences and a student-led 'We Are GP' campaign that aims to build belonging and participation.
Students from North Middle School and Grants Pass High School used the board meeting to describe school programs that foster community connection and student leadership.
At North Middle School, seventh- and eighth-grade students described partnerships and programs that keep them engaged in school. "The Black Youth Leadership Summit has taught me how to lead with confidence, speak with a purpose, and connect with other Black youth," said Tia, an eighth-grader. Another presenter, Sarah Esmey, said the Black Youth Summer Institute and Summit "make me feel seen and understood" and noted historical context that made the programs meaningful.
North Middle staff listed district and community partners including Oregon State (Smile Club), the regional ESD in Medford, Project Youth Plus, and Southern Oregon youth programs. Students also described academic opportunities, cultural identity programming, summer camps and competitive teams that connected them to school.
At Grants Pass High School, the ASB and class presidents presented the school’s "We Are GP" pillars — welcoming, enthusiastic, persistent, grateful and acceptance — and described student-led efforts to expand involvement. ASB president Kate Galli said the council wants to ensure every student feels "invited" to participate. Senior class president Cindy Craven described the school's approach to assemblies and pep rallies as venues to celebrate achievements. Students also described a freshman leadership course and regular student-council meetings that give students direct access to district administrators.
Advisors Aaron Matthews and Sarah Craven said the monthly student-council meetings include district administrators and that bringing students to speak at the board has helped students learn how to advocate and shape school programs. The students said the 5 Star app (used for events and recognition) has more than half of students registered, according to the students’ report.
The board thanked the students and noted the presentations helped trustees better understand student perspectives on school culture, cell-phone policy work and outreach programs.
The presentations were part of a larger discussion on district community engagement and strategic goals.
