Students from Educators Rising present advisory lessons, transition book to East Windsor board

Middle school students and their advisors told the East Windsor School District Board of Education tonight about Educators Rising, a student organization that is creating advisory lessons and a book to help elementary students prepare for the transition to middle school.

"Educators Rising is a team of students in grades six to eight who build leadership experience while learning about and participating roles that involves working with children," said Mr. Brunt, who with Miss Sharp runs the program. He described a year of student-led projects that aimed to strengthen school culture and introduce students to education careers.

The students described several concrete products. Zoe said the club worked with teachers to design advisory social-emotional learning lessons that focused on teamwork, respect and problem solving and that some lessons have already been taught schoolwide. "A lot of students had complained at some point that the lessons were too vague," Zoe told the board. "We came up with these lessons to bring people closer and help the environment in our classrooms." Caroline and others helped lead a hands-on activity that used string to show how students and staff are connected across the building.

Members also reported serving on the district's safe school climate committee. Mr. Brunt said three members shared student perspectives at a climate meeting and the staff found their feedback "incredibly valuable." Students said they plan to finish a printed book that explains middle-school structure, schedules and expectations so incoming fourth graders feel more prepared.

The board praised the students' public-facing work; the presenters noted the Connecticut Educators Rising newsletter recently featured the group. The board did not take an action on the program; members encouraged continued student involvement and recommended the group pursue available state conference opportunities.

The board will receive any follow-up materials from the advisors and students as the book project and additional lessons are finalized.