A Board Meeting Presentation

This year, the Board has requested that each principal give a presentation on their school’s culture.  Last night, Brian and I took three students to the Board meeting – Linzee Reyes, student council president; Taylor Eccleston, student council vice president and Justin Gabriel, student council member. 

I am so pleased to tell you that the three student leaders lead the presentation and represented the Village students and staff so well.  They introduced themselves, their roles in the school as well as extra and extracurricular activities they are involved in.  We showed a slide show with photos and words describing the culture of Village, what we value, etc…  In the end, the three students shared a variety of things about Village that make it the best place to go to school.  They also fielded questions from the Board and Central Office employees. 

I intentionally did not prompt the students with what to say, nor, did they have anything written or scripted.  I wanted them to share what was truly in their hearts and minds about their school.  It was natural. 

The experiences the students chose to talk about included:

• Recess
• Teachers playing with their kids
• Service corps
• Safety
• PALS
• REACH
• Math support for students who need extra help as well as those in need of enrichment
• Physical education
• Art classes
• Buddies
• Habits of Mind
• Teachers care for the students
• Students feel like they are part of a family
• Student council 

The Board made several comments and asked questions including:

• Substitutes say Village teachers are extremely welcoming
• The students were very articulate in their presentation
• What would you like to see that the school doesn't have?  The students thought for a long time – finally, they came up with swings on the intermediate playground. 
• What should every student have the opportunity to experience?  Buddies because they help all of the students connect.

 It was a great night for our Village student leaders and I believe you would all be very impressed with their poise and confidence.  Thank you for all the effort and support you have provided which has allowed these young students to confidently share their beliefs and experiences.  It truly takes a Village and these students are an example of this.  They could not stand up there without all of you having supported them in one way or another.  Thank you. 

If you would like to see the video that the Board viewed, it can be viewed here: VE Culture