Bordeaux fourth-grade leaders describe duties, character work to Shelton board

Fourth‑grade student leaders from Bordeaux Elementary presented to the Shelton School District board Tuesday evening, describing their responsibilities, privileges and what they learned about leadership.

Amy Butel, assistant principal at Bordeaux, introduced the group and said the program began as an idea from the school’s STEM teacher. "They are nominated by their teachers," Butel said, and students serve for a trimester with the option to be re‑nominated.

Students described duties that include helping with lunchtime garbage and passing out lunches to younger classes, monitoring hallways and recess to ensure expectations are followed, delivering end‑of‑day mail and making announcements, and reading to kindergarten students. One student said the leadership team also helps set up assemblies and supports book fair operations.

The students emphasized character language: "We try to be safe, respectful, and responsible," one student said, and another explained that recognition and rewards—ice cream, pancakes and root beer floats—help motivate students to continue serving. The assistant principal told the board the presentation demonstrated how the district cultivates citizenship and public speaking skills in elementary students.

Board members praised the students’ presentations and noted the value of early leadership opportunities as they move into middle school. The board’s student representatives were recognized separately later in the meeting for their service at the high schools.