North Hill students present leadership program and community projects to Burlington school board

Students and staff from North Hill Elementary presented their student leadership program to the Burlington Community School District board on Feb. 23, 2026, describing expanded participation and recent community-oriented projects.

At the start of the meeting, staff member Tiffany Dodds, identified in the presentation as a social worker and kindergarten teacher, and first-grade teacher Amethyst Spicks introduced student lighthouse leaders and described a new effort to include kindergarten through second grade in leadership opportunities in addition to third and fourth graders. Students read the roster of current leaders and outlined the application and interview process for older students.

Student leaders said the team has organized fundraisers and service activities this year. A student reported the group’s food sale raised about $600 and described blanket-and-book drives that donated items to a local shelter. Students also described a PTO-partnered coffee drive and said fundraising proceeds went to student events such as a movie-with-Santa and classroom supplies.

Students and staff described ongoing programs and partnerships, including Junior Achievement lessons on economics and community volunteering in classrooms. Staff noted monthly attendance recognition certificates for students who miss zero to one day; the award program resets monthly so students have recurring opportunities for recognition.

Board members asked about logistics for a planned field day at a nearby partner facility, and the board offered to receive event details so members could help or attend. The board and staff thanked the students for their presentation and arranged a photograph before the students left.