Student advisory outlines ‘Eagle Pride’ events, fundraising and kindness initiative

Meredith Smith, a student board representative, told the Elma School District board that student advisory members have raised money and are taking the lead on several school-spirit initiatives. "We have all $15,000, which is very exciting," Smith said, describing a shirt fundraiser and plans to finalize sizes and quotes.

The students proposed a series of spring and fall events intended to boost community engagement and school spirit, including a stadium groundbreaking and ribbon-cutting ceremony, a community carnival and barbecue, and a commemorative signing or engraving to mark participation. Board members and staff discussed logistics such as timing (ideally before a first home game), how to display signatures or mementos, and funding for the events.

Students also presented a kindness-focused program that would bring "eagle feathers" to all three schools. Under the proposal, teachers would award feathers for acts of kindness; students could collect feathers and redeem them for escalating recognition or privileges. Board members and staff raised implementation questions — notably what incentives would be appropriate at different grade levels and whether Associated Student Body (ASB) funds or district budget lines would support purchases. Staff said they would explore funding options and policy implications.

School leaders praised the student-driven work. One board member told the students, "Kudos to you," and staff committed to help students develop materials for a summer professional-development day so teachers and administrators could align on rewards and expectations.

The presentation concluded with staff promising follow-up support: officials said they would help students review relevant board policies and bring implementation details back to the board before the next school year.