Student leaders say clubs build belonging; Colonial SD to keep survey reporting and expand outreach

Student leaders at White Marsh High School told the Colonial School District board at a Student Life meeting that clubs and affinity groups play a central role in building a sense of belonging, and district administrators said survey results will guide continued outreach.

Dr. Figueroa Douglas, who introduced student club representatives, summarized the district's Psychological Sense of School Membership (PSSM) survey data, saying students report the highest sense of belonging with adults in the building'principals, assistant principals, counselors, food-service staff and security'but that some subgroups report lower belonging and need targeted attention. "Words mean more than what is set down on paper," Dr. Figueroa Douglas said, quoting Maya Angelou and adding that student voice is essential to making that sentiment real.

Students representing several clubs described how those groups support members and suggested steps the district can take. "Some of our strengths at the Colonial School District is the way they advocate for students, safety and school environment," said Alani Sencio, an ADL member at PW, describing ADL programs and an annual field trip the club receives. Rick McCormick, leader of the Black Culture Awareness Club, praised staff outreach but raised representation concerns in advanced courses, saying, "I know that when I walk into a classroom, it's my understanding that roughly 14% of the..." (figure cited by McCormick in testimony).

Other students told the board about specific accommodations and recent club growth. Morgan Crowder, art director for the engagement alliance, noted four gender-neutral restrooms currently available in the building and thanked administrators for support. Gian, president of the Hispanic/Latinx club, said membership grew from about five to roughly 16 after outreach with Mr. Escona. Miriam, who helped start the Muslim Student Association, described successful meetings with food-service staff and administrators that led to a separate plant-based food section in the cafeteria and access to prayer rooms in administrative offices during lunch periods.

Rachel, a cofounder of the Asian Student Association, described partnering with the International Cultural Awareness Club and plans to attend the Montgomery County Lunar New Year Festival. She also said the district engaged students and staff after antisemitic graffiti was found: "After swastikas were written on the bathroom stalls and I told him I wanted to help," she said, describing her involvement in teacher workshops and community conversations.

Board members praised the students and asked administrators to keep the district's outreach going. Several board members and administrators discussed expanding peer outreach to underclassmen and middle-school students, promoting ELL tutoring opportunities already run by National Honor Society members, and highlighting programs such as Best Buddies. Administrators said the district will continue to present PSSM results in the spring and will also share Pennsylvania Youth Survey findings; quarterly student-discipline reports will continue to be provided to the board.

The meeting closed with board encouragement that student leaders return before graduation to update the board on progress; administrators said they will continue to intentionally include students from underrepresented groups in upcoming department forums and AP/honors representation discussions.