Montessori at LeMoyne Students Serve on First Ever Student Council
Once a week after school, a dozen third through fifth graders at Montessori at LeMoyne gather in School Counselor Chris Armbrust’s office.Serving as both the Student Equity Team and the Student Council, this group of student leaders is new to the school – but already making a big impact.
One of their initial projects was to implement recycling bins for cans and bottles, which they are using as a fundraiser. They have organized the themes for the school’s winter spirit week; and they are exploring the possibility of starting a school garden.
Several students are hoping to push an anti-bullying campaign.
“I want to make a difference in the school,” 5th grader Celeste Hills shared. “I think a no bullying campaign would be helpful because there are a lot of bullies lately and we need them to know that it’s not okay to make people feel bad. I hope we can make a difference not just in the school but in the district. It makes me feel good to be a leader. I know that I can voice the things that I think should be changed, and my voice will be heard.”
“I have some sensory issues, and I’ve faced some bullying,” 5th grader Liam Brandt added. “I want to be able to show other kids who are different that they’re not alone. I want to show acceptance and be an example of what that looks like. I like having a chance to make a difference in the school!”
The passion students have for improving the school is contagious; and Mr. Armbrust said all ideas will be considered. After all, the intention of the Student Council is to offer students a voice in decision that will impact their school.
At one meeting, students listed things they’d like their principal to consider – including potentially giving students the ability to vote to select the daily lunch offerings one day a month. They provided feedback on school lunches, noting the student meal survey on the SCSD Food & Nutrition website and making it a goal to share the link with every student in the school so they can all voice their feedback. They shared their thoughts on a potential school uniform proposal; and they suggested a ‘Tell Me Something Good’ segment on the school announcements, where students could submit good news happening in their lives and use that to help uplift the entire school community.
Student Council President Treyaijh Boatwright said he values that his friends see him as a leader and look up to him. Treasurer Carl LaLone wants to be a politician when he grows up and sees the experience as an introduction – noting that he wants to do something great for the school. Third grader Delilah Kochen said she hopes to be a role model to show younger students how to behave.
Many on the Council agree that regardless of the decision-based changes that might happen in their school building, they already feel they are making a positive impact on the school culture.
“We have to be really responsible and be role models in the school,” 5th grader Iris O’Donnell said. “Many students feel uncomfortable speaking up to adults, so it’s our job to show them that we’re here for them, listen to them, and then speak up and help them.”
We’re so proud of the Montessori at LeMoyne students who have stepped up as leaders and are pioneering their school’s new Student Council and Student Equity team! We can’t wait to watch their influence continue throughout their school.
