Deerfield middle‑school delegates stage junior Model UN, showcase leadership skills

Students from Deerfield Public Schools District 109 presented a junior Model United Nations assembly to the school board on Oct. 17, describing a two‑day event organized with the help of high‑school alumni and hosted at Deerfield village hall.

Katarina Schroeder, District 109 communications specialist, introduced the segment and said the program gave middle‑school students new leadership and public‑speaking opportunities. "I originally kinda stumbled across this looking through middle school organizations... I am so obsessed with it," Schroeder said during the board meeting.

Teachers and alumni said the student‑led event included two committees: a general assembly and an ad‑hoc committee whose topic was withheld from delegates until the session. Jane Edelman, who supervised the ad‑hoc committee, told the board delegates received background guides and a series of on‑the‑spot challenges tied to a historical scenario in France.

Student delegates used formal parliamentary motions, recognized speakers with placards and debated a hypothetical four‑day school week. Speakers argued both sides: one delegate warned that shortening the week would require longer school days and could reduce productivity, while another said a three‑day weekend would better balance rest, activities and chores.

Organizers credited Deerfield High School alumni for planning and logistics; they also thanked the village hall for providing space and noted the mayor offered opening remarks. The assembly concluded with certificates and a 'best delegate' recognition.

The presentation was informational; no district policy change was proposed by the board as a result of the assembly. Board members praised the student leadership and asked a brief series of follow‑up questions about how the simulation was run and what the district might learn from it.

The board continued with its regular business following the student presentation.