Tecumpsy North sixth graders highlight school pride and activities at Shawnee Heights board meeting

Students from Tecumpsy North Elementary told the Shawnee Heights Board of Education on Monday that the school’s leadership team helps build community and give students leadership opportunities.

"We are members of the sixth grade leadership team and we will be talking about all the things that make to come see North great," said Mackenzie Bailey, one of four sixth graders who presented a slideshow and video to the board. The students described running daily affirmations, volunteering at PTO and family engagement events, organizing intramurals that include track and volleyball, creating ceiling-tile art projects and participating in "Panther Prides," cross-grade groups that meet monthly.

Principal Katie Bivvens introduced the students and said site council members and staff, including the music teacher Mrs. Townsen, helped the group prepare the presentation. "They did an awesome job," Bivvens told the board after the students finished their video and answers to questions from members. Several board members praised the students’ confidence and welcomed parents in the audience to record the presentation.

Board members asked students which intramural sports they preferred and which family engagement nights were most popular; students cited track, volleyball and a variety of themed events such as a fall festival and a "TN Express" night. The presentation concluded with applause from the board and attendees.

The appearance was part of the meeting’s communications section; no formal action was required. The board then moved on to routine business and consent items.