Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Education topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
CL Smith students describe ‘belonging’ focus and student-run leadership teams
Summary
Students and school leaders from CL Smith presented the school’s year-long focus on “belonging,” describing student lighthouse teams, student-run clubs and a Shine Store incentive program that encourages leadership and community building.
Vanessa Parsons, principal at CL Smith, told the San Luis Coastal Unified School District board that the campus made “belonging” its priority this year and aligned staff and student practices to strengthen connection and student voice. Parsons said the school established seven student “lighthouse” teams and expanded student-run clubs to give third- through sixth-graders leadership roles and more opportunities to shape school life.
Five students who are members of the lighthouse teams described activities that include weekly announcements, campus tours for new students, conflict-resolution “peace patrol,” and a junior campus crew focused on care and responsibility. Sixth-grader Elelliana Slaughter said the communications crew “records the weekly announcements” and helps share events such as Math Night; fourth‑grader Angelina Knox described student socials that give new students a safe space to meet peers. Third-grader Michaela Slaughter noted more than 15 student-run clubs, including an Arts and Crafts Club she started.
Parsons said staff practices—regular informal check-ins, monthly coffee mornings and learning walks—help adults model the sense of belonging staff are expected to create for students. Board members thanked the students for their presentations; Trustee Clawson asked younger students about future club interests and said he planned to visit a sixth‑grade class. The board did not take action on the presentation; it served as an informational highlight and community engagement item.
