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Starpoint second-graders showcase VIB leadership roles to board
Summary
Second-grade students presented the VIB (Very Important Buddy/Board) leadership program, describing roles such as door holders, hall monitors and school-store attendants; staff told the board the program has about 118 second-graders participating and includes student-to-student training and small incentives.
Second-grade students at Starpoint Central School District described to the board how the VIB program gives them leadership responsibilities across the elementary school.
Jamie Matar, who identified herself as a school social worker and the district’s “VIB keeper,” said the program organizes student jobs such as door holder, hall monitor, morning announcements and library aide and that roughly 118 second-graders currently participate. “So I wouldn’t be successful without the second-grade teachers,” Matar said, describing a process in which teachers nominate students and Matar matches students to roles.
Students who visited the meeting spoke about particular duties and benefits: “My name is Darcy Bentham. I’m a second grader… I love being at VIB because I like helping other people,” one student said. Another student, Lucas Reese, told the board his role included announcements and helping younger students. Presenters emphasized peer training: older VIBs train incoming students after four to six weeks in a role.
Board members and staff praised the program’s mix of responsibility and practical skills. Mr. Andrews (referenced by a presenter) and multiple trustees said the student checks and small incentives help reinforce the job model; one board member noted that students had been issued “Benny Bucks” and mock checks to simulate real-world responsibility.
The VIB presentation was framed as part of a broader district effort to build leadership skills across grades. Trustees said they were struck by the number of students participating and by the program’s potential to feed student leadership into middle and high school activities, including the student board seat represented by a high-school student who also participates in district governance.
The board did not take any formal action on the program during the meeting. The presentation concluded with board members thanking students and staff and encouraging continued tracking of participation and outcomes.
