Students present mentorship and wellness programs to the board

Students and advisors from a student group introduced themselves and described a program they said supports female students’ academic, social and emotional development. Mr. Kern introduced the group and invited the student presenters to explain their work. One presenter said, "Girls Recognizing Our Worth just gives our female community a space to grow socially, personally, and professionally," and described mentorship, workshops, community service and a "women's day of wellness." The presenters also noted that their first year's keynote speaker was former Olympian Priscilla Loomis, which helped raise the program's profile.

Presenters described a mentorship component intended to help incoming students navigate the high school, pointing to practical supports such as locating forms and school resources. They announced a new program called "Bloom," a pen-pal initiative that would pair high-school students with third- through fifth-grade students (partnering with Roland Rogers) and culminate in an in-person meeting at the end of the year to strengthen communication and social-emotional skills.

During brief Q&A, board member Amy (Speaker 5) asked whether the program could expand to other district schools. Presenters said expansion is possible but would require a staff member to take responsibility to run the program at another building; they described the program's growth as "organic" and dependent on staff and student initiative. Presenters expressed willingness to help other schools if invited.

The presentation concluded with thanks from board members and the meeting moved on to two short presentations by Miss Callahan.