Third graders from Brown School present Leadership Council project; committee and superintendent praise student voice

Third-grade students from Brown School presented their Leadership Council work to the Marblehead School Committee at the start of the meeting, describing how representatives were selected, the council’s goals and examples of classroom and school activities.

The students explained the council’s routines — weekly meetings, community assemblies where grades share learning, and projects such as a “kindness and justice wall.” Student speakers described activities including helping peers in class, cleaning up restroom trash, pairing with different classmates and organizing school community meetings where classes present learning and songs.

Mary Maxfield, identified in the meeting as Brown School principal, introduced the group and praised the students. Several committee members and Superintendent John (first name used in meeting) also commended the third graders. The committee approved a short recess so the students could take photos and receive certificates.

Why it matters: Committee members and the superintendent highlighted the presentation as an example of the district’s focus on student voice and leadership at an early age. The superintendent described the program as “student voice at its finest,” and committee members said the council illustrates the district goal to give students opportunities to lead.

Details from the students’ presentation

Students described the election process (speeches to their class and selection by classmates), weekly meetings during recess and lunch, and the council’s community meetings where grades share learning and songs. They explained practical ways they support others (helping with trays, assisting after playground injuries, and picking up trash) and noted projects such as a book vending machine they are curating based on student votes.

The committee response and follow-up

Committee members praised students’ public speaking skills and leadership. The chair asked the committee to authorize a short recess to let the students take pictures and receive certificates; the committee granted the request and staff coordinated the certificates and photos.

Ending

The presentation concluded with the committee and superintendent urging the children to keep practicing leadership and public speaking. Committee members said they hoped other schools would adopt similar ideas such as the kindness and justice wall.