Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Education Students Robinwood topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Robinwood expands student council to include all interested fourth- and fifth-graders
Summary
At the Feb. 19 Franklin Public School District Board of Education meeting, Robinwood Elementary staff and students presented a revamped student council that expanded membership to any interested fourth- and fifth-grade student and emphasized social-emotional learning and community service.
Robinwood Elementary Principal Lydia Sessing told the Franklin Board of Education on Feb. 19 that the school has revamped its student council so “any fourth grade and fifth grade student who was interested” could join as long as teachers and parents sign off on behavior expectations.
The change was framed as part of a broader emphasis on social-emotional learning. Principal Lydia Sessing said the school is focusing on SEL for students, families and staff, and cited restorative practices, “zones of regulation” resources and community circles as part of that work.
Teachers and students described how the new council is organized into four subcommittees — school improvement, videos, announcements and assemblies — to give students smaller working groups and more voice in school planning. A teacher leading the council told the board that about 30 students initially showed interest and, after adopting the “come one, come all” approach, 40 students joined and have all remained engaged.
Students described their projects. The school-improvement committee helped plan a Veterans Day spirit week and organized Hope House donations; teachers reported the student council had collected 69 donated items for Hope House during a recent drive. The video committee produced a Veterans Day video and other “ROAR” videos explaining expectations for common areas. The announcements committee produces daily announcements and “Be Well Wednesday” messages; the assembly committee writes and leads student assemblies.
Principal Sessing and classroom teachers emphasized that participation takes place during students’ recess and advisory time and is intended to build leadership and inclusion. A teacher said the student council “allowed us to have smaller, more intimate conversations and everyone getting a say,” linking the work directly to the school’s SEL goals.
Board members and administrators praised the presentation and invited the students and staff for a photo following the presentation.
Robinwood’s presentation was delivered during the board’s regular meeting and was an informational item; no board policy or funding change was proposed at the Feb. 19 meeting.
