Four student representatives sworn in, highlight new phone policy and homecoming events

Four student representatives were sworn in during the Penfield Central School District Board of Education meeting on Sept. 9 and each offered brief introductions and initial reports from their schools.

Aidan Elliott, a senior at Penfield High School, described his extracurricular involvement and said he will share reports from the high school and sometimes elementary or middle schools; he told the board the district’s requirement that students place internet-enabled devices in a yonder pouch during the school day has reduced classroom distractions and increased student interaction.

Junior Liam Murna said he will report for the high school and two middle schools and said the student representatives’ role is to listen to students across the district and relay their views. Sophomore Julianna Gastanzo and junior Lila Schenk also introduced themselves and said they will report on high school events, middle-school activities and elementary-school events. Several student representatives noted that homecoming week had generated enthusiasm and that fall sports and clubs were underway.

The student oath referenced the U.S. and New York State constitutions and the responsibilities of the office of student representative. Board President Dr. Elliman Turner and staff welcomed the students and said a designated staff member (Mrs. Mustafa George) will support the student representatives in gathering and presenting reports at monthly meetings.

Ending: The board thanked the student representatives for volunteering for the role and invited them to bring future reports from their schools to board meetings.