Saline Middle School student council presents activities, inclusion efforts to school board

Jillian Hayes, the board’s student representative, introduced members of the Saline Middle School student council and their advisor at the Sept. 30 Board of Education meeting to present highlights of student council activities.

Students described the group’s mission to improve the school experience and promote student voice. Student presenters — including Shadi Aldib, Kenzie Stanifer, Emma O’Leary, Lily Atkinson and Natalie Green, the student council advisor — explained fundraisers such as candy grams (sold in February and November for $1), an inclusion week run with the PALS program and school events the council helps plan, such as a winter “snowball” dance.

Students described other activities the council supports: a school store that sells spirit items on Fridays, outreach projects (including Toys for Tots), leadership conferences (the Dexter Leadership Conference) and collaboration with the PTO for event planning. The presentation noted counseling and student voice opportunities: a student voice group that meets with staff to raise issues and propose changes, and direct contact with building administrators for participating students.

Board members asked questions about fundraising proceeds, student voice group topics and recruitment. Students said fundraiser proceeds go to school needs and charities; several students said the student voice group had not yet started this year and gave examples of topics the group might take up, such as lunchtime device use and inclusion. Trustee remarks were appreciative: several board members thanked the students for their presentation and encouraged continued participation.

After the presentation, the board invited the students to remain for more of the meeting and to take a photo with trustees.