Four Novi Middle School students and administrators presented to the board Jan. 8 on student life and programming.

Administrators described hosting a group of students from Shiga, Japan, who participated in a touch-football exchange with Novi students and received a warm, multicultural welcome. Students reported on the Washington, D.C. trip (about 370 students and 30 chaperones) that included Gettysburg and other learning stops; students described photographs and shared memories from the trip.

Students highlighted academic and extracurricular offerings: a four-language sampling in sixth grade (Japanese, German, French, Spanish), music programs (band, choir, orchestra) and opportunities such as All-State Ensemble auditions and Detroit Symphony honor ensembles. They also described fall events (a farmers market with veggie bucks and games), athletics participation across fall and winter sports and upcoming inclusive activities such as unified basketball.

Administrators answered board questions about Power Day (character-education lessons, anti-bullying and team-building) and described bond-funded upgrades planned for the STEM Center and possible weight room improvements. The board praised student presentations and invited the public to attend the spelling bee and other school events.

The presentation emphasized student voice and program variety at Novi Middle School.