Harrison High reframes extracurriculars into student-led "agency" program; advisers trained, districts cites attendance gains

Harrison High School on Nov. 5 outlined a district initiative to shift extracurricular activities from adviser-run, one-off events to student-led programs designed to build leadership, belonging and measurable academic benefits.

Principal Miss Buickama told the Harrison Central School District Board of Education that the change rests on deliberate systems and routines rather than chance. "Nothing in Harrison happens by accident," she said, adding that the district defines student agency through "choice, voice and ownership." The presentation traced the work from a 2023 summer course for advisers through study-group refinements and two summer-course iterations that now support club advisers and coaches.

Leah Moore, one of the teacher leaders who helped design the program, said the effort sought to end what she described as clubs that functioned as “compliance.” Advisers were asked to craft mission statements with students, to "let go" of day‑to‑day control and to allow students to make consequential decisions about budgeting, leadership selection and partnerships — in Moore’s words, moving "beyond the bake sale." The reorganization included creating additional and…