Students, grant coordinator ask Rock Ridge board to make CORE a standing club

Cassandra Haney, Positive Community Norms grant coordinator for Rock Ridge Public Schools, and student leaders of CORE presented a Youth Leadership Academy slideshow and asked the board to consider making CORE a standing club after the grant cycle ends.

Cassandra described the grant’s focus on primary prevention of tobacco, alcohol and cannabis and explained that CORE student leaders run activities to increase inclusion and student participation, including a pre-homecoming event that provided transportation and food to allow more students to attend. She introduced CORE officers and praised the program’s leadership sustainability: "the majority of our officers are not seniors... which is pretty wonderful to see."

Keppra Haney, CORE president, told the board the grant cycle ends in June and asked that CORE be made a standing club so students can fundraise and continue activities: "So we are asking you to consider making CORE a standing club so that we can fundraise to support CORE and to continue our club activities after the grant cycle has ended." Student publicist Caden described upcoming events including a winter carnival and leadership training where CORE will teach leadership skills to younger students.

Board members and attendees responded with praise for the students’ presentation. Cassandra and students requested the board consider the standing-club status as a means to sustain the program after grant funding ends.

Next steps: the group requested board consideration; the board did not announce an immediate decision at this meeting.