Student Council
Been Wondering What it's all About?
TWICE A YEAR, a boy and girl are selected from each third, fourth, and fifth grade classroom to represent their class at the Student Council.
Student Council is a leadership program offered in public elementary through high schools, continuing in many universities. It was founded to help develop public speaking and leadership qualities as well as encourage civic and community mindedness. Council members attend Wednesday lunchtime meetings to discuss business, such as school and community service projects. Officers include two Presidents (a boy and a girl, from the 5th grade); a Vice President (fourth-or fifth-grader); a Secretary (third-grader); a Treasurer (third-or fourth-grader); and a Sergeant-at-Arms (third-or fourth-grader). Members take notes during the meetings and relay them back to their classmates while encouraging discussion about the issues. It is their responsibility to voice the opinions of their constituents during discussions, and vote accordingly. The Presidents work with the advisors to develop meeting agendas.
Student Council-sponsored events in 2002-2003 included Trick-or-Treat for Unicef, the Thanksgiving food drive for the Marin Food Bank, and a holiday gift-collecting program that benefited the children at Sunny Hills Children’s Garden. Thanks to everyone who donated as we were able to present them with over 300 gifts! Locally, Student Council can be credited for Spirit Days, whose themes have included “Wacky Outfit,” “Pajama” and “Crazy Hair,” as well as campus maintenance. Student Council members organize volunteers to assist our custodian in cleaning up after lunch (Mynor’s Helpers). Members have a good time as they meet their goal of helping others while developing character.
One project from Student Council 2001-02 was to help those who suffered losses from the tragedy in New York — specifically those children who lost parents. There was a large jar in front of the office to collect pennies. “Every cent makes a difference!” Read the letter we received from Governor Pataki in appreciation for our efforts!
If you would like to be a parent volunteer with Student Council, or have any ideas, please let us know. Contact this year’s Student Council advisor, Michael Arrow.
Student Council Sponsors:
* School rules assembly in the fall;
* Raising money for various projects, such as the recent pen sale to benefit the World Wildlife Fund, and UNICEF. (For the past several years NC has collected more than any other elementary school in Marin, nearly $2,000 last year!);
* Spirit Days (like Crazy Hair Day or Pajama Day);
* Weekly paper recycling pickup from each class;
* Daily flag duties; and
* Organizing and staffing Field Day, a school-wide event featuring creative games (watch for more later on this one!)
Job Descriptions:
* President: Responsible with teacher advisors for setting the weekly agenda and running the meeting
* Vice President: Supports the presidents by supervising the carrying out of plans
* Secretary: Writes minutes for each meeting
* Treasurer: Handles the counting of money from Student Council pen sales, bake sales, etc.
* Sergeant of Arms: Assists in keeping orderly meetings
* Representatives: Input ideas, report back to classrooms, vote on Student Council decisions.
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