High‑school survey finds students want more hands‑on learning, club access and clearer student‑leadership channels

Fiona, the high‑school student representative, presented results of a six‑question survey of 543 students on March 23, telling the board most respondents feel they can access extracurricular activities but want more options and clearer communication channels.

The survey found large interest in hands‑on and collaborative learning (nearly 300 respondents indicated that preference), repeated requests for more electives and club opportunities (about 150 suggested new club ideas), and repeated concerns about passing time and lunch length that make it hard for some students to eat. Many students also asked for restored phone privileges in some form and for reduced homework load as a way to improve the student experience.

Fiona proposed creating a formal process through which students could request new clubs — contingent on showing sufficient interest and finding faculty advisers — and suggested more regular anonymous surveys or other outreach so student leadership can better represent classmates.

Board members responded favorably, noting that the students’ priorities align with the district’s ongoing Portrait of a Graduate work and that some departments are already planning to expand elective offerings. The board encouraged Fiona to continue sharing sample responses and follow up on communication mechanisms that will let student voices reach the board more reliably.

The survey was conducted during social‑studies classes and included frequency statistics and anonymized student comments. Fiona said the student leadership team will explore practical next steps, including ways to publicize the survey findings to students and families and to pilot a formal club‑request procedure.

The board did not take formal action on the survey at the meeting; the presentation closed with members thanking Fiona and asking for the full dataset to be circulated for further review.