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Riverview students present Lighthouse leadership projects to committee
Summary
Riverview Elementary students and staff told the committee about the school's Lighthouse leadership team and its initiatives — assemblies, kindness tickets, daily announcements, spirit days — and said a local nonprofit funded snacks to distribute to students.
Riverview Elementary's principal, Sarah Budney, told the Wausau School District Education Operations Committee on Dec. 16 that the school has formalized a student "Lighthouse" leadership team to give pupils regular opportunities to shape school culture.
The program, spearheaded by Budney and staff representatives Becky Mo and Renee Crestle, drew more than 30 student applicants last year; members meet about twice a month to identify improvements and run events. "They were eager and so excited to get started with their work right away," Budney said, summarizing the team's early engagement.
Students described the team's responsibilities and recent projects. A student who introduced themself as "EMT" said the Lighthouse team helps lead monthly assemblies and “remind[s] the students of assembly expectations,” including greeting peers and setting a quiet tone. Another student, Britain, described a kindness-ticket program in which staff hand tickets to students showing kindness; students enter those tickets for a chance to earn lunch with a staff member. Caroline said the group partnered with a local organization, Be Amazing, to fund snacks; the presentation said that support has enabled distribution plans that will provide more than 900 snacks to students over the school year.
Teachers said the program supports leadership skills and school climate. Fourth-grade teacher Becky Mo described the Lighthouse team as a forum for student ideas, and principal Budney said the team has become part of the school's identity. A committee member praised the students' public-speaking skills and thanked them for the presentation.
The committee received the presentation as informational and moved on to the next agenda item.
Next steps: Riverview staff will continue implementing Lighthouse projects and the district will keep the presentation on record for committee reference.
