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Woodland CCSD 50 superintendent spotlights student leadership; students read essays
Summary
Superintendent Dr. May told the board the district’s strategic plan is emphasizing student and family voice, describing kindergarten–preK pairings, student councils, and a recent leadership summit where students questioned Mayor Hood and Police Chief Goen; two students read leadership essays to the board.
Dr. May told the Woodland CCSD 50 Board of Education that a cornerstone of the district’s strategic plan is increasing "student and family voice," citing classroom choices, kindergarten–preK pairings and student-led celebrations as examples of that approach. She said the emphasis has produced varied initiatives across the district’s four schools, from service projects to student participation on interview panels.
At the intermediate school, Dr. May said students used reward points to buy items for Lurie Children’s Hospital, created Valentine cards for local senior citizens and collaborated with Officer Hansen for Red Ribbon Week. She described a recent leadership summit at the intermediate school in which students invited Mayor Hood, Police Chief Goen and Carrie Fenry of the Children’s Advocacy Center and submitted questions in advance for the guests to answer.
"One of the cornerstones of our strategic plan has to do with increasing student and family voice and giving students some choice in things that they're doing in school," Dr. May said, explaining why the district has expanded student roles in school activities and decision-making. She also noted that some middle school students served on interview panels through "Mr. Bobc's office" to give feedback on district hiring.
Two students, Kristen Perilino and Shannon Victor Sam, read short essays about leadership for the board. One student defined leadership as "being respectful, taking ownership, being accepting, and being ready," and described qualities such as courage and communication as central to leading others. The board presented certificates to the students, and Dr. May thanked the students and their families for participating.
The superintendent framed the student activities as preparatory work for a stronger start to the next school year and said the district hopes the student-led initiatives will help incoming fourth graders set a positive tone.
The board will continue covering district business after the student presentations.
