Students highlight leadership, exam routines and Black History Month; student reps discuss finals and AI

Atwater Elementary students and staff presented a student-council overview, and high-school student representatives reported on finals-week practices and student priorities.

Marissa Motner, Atwater school counselor, introduced the Atwater student council and student speakers who described officer roles (co-presidents, secretaries, classroom representatives, ambassadors and new 'perks appreciation leader' positions). Students detailed activities organized this year, including a hot-cocoa bar for teachers, yearbook liaisons attending events, ambassadors paired with younger classrooms and upcoming lessons on bullying prevention.

At the high school, student board representatives Eben and Milan reviewed final-exam scheduling and preparation. Students said finals are structured as 90-minute blocks with 30-minute breaks and that departments provide subject-specific review; some students expressed support for traditional exams as college preparation while acknowledging stress and fundraising opportunities during finals week (Key Club sold hot chocolate and raised an informal figure the students estimated at about $500).

Student leader Milan Robinson also announced the high school Black History Month program on Thursday, Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. in the SHS Auditorium; tickets will go on sale Feb. 16 ($10 adults; $5 students and seniors). Board members asked students about exam timing, opt-out possibilities, and current usage of generative AI; students and board members agreed further discussion with faculty would be the next step for any format change.