Springfield School District: Scenic Student Leaders Strive To Change The World

Press release from the Springfield School District:

February 16, 2022

A Scenic Student Leader is known for their kindness, positivity, and bright blue hat. Scenic Student Leaders, led by Ms. Mahoney and Ms. Schwalbe, are involved in many activities throughout the school year.

There are currently 65 student leaders working hard in the Scenic Community. Students can express an interest in joining the club at the end of their 4th-grade year. The future leaders write an essay about leadership after meeting with Ms. Mahoney and Ms. Schwalbe. The students' essays are voted on anonymously by their peers.

Below is a summary of the activities they participate in throughout the year.

First Day of School – Student leaders welcomed 2nd-grade and new students to Scenic. The leaders direct/show these students to their classrooms. Many new students feel nervous or sad as they enter their new school. The student leaders take them by hand and help them feel comfortable as they show them their classroom.

2nd-Grade Back to School Night – Siblings of 2nd graders volunteered to help direct parents around the school with a self-guided tour and explanation of their elementary school.

Peer-Tutoring – Student leaders work with 2nd graders with sight words before school. The leaders help students reach their goals by practicing words on 'swiss cheese" rings, celebrating accomplishments on announcements, and making new word cards as needed.

Kindness Quotes – To celebrate National Kindness Day (November 13th), student leaders wanted to start the day in October with positive messages that focus on kindness. Each day a student leader would share a "kindness" quote on the morning announcements to spread "Kindness like Confetti".

Turkey Fund – Student Leaders collected and counted money donated for this event each week.

Spirit Days – Student Leaders are involved in school-wide spirit days on the first Friday of every month. Our February spirit day theme is the Olympics. Students will wear red, white, and blue to cheer on team USA. In addition, we held a school-wide Olympic event held in each homeroom. Student leaders facilitated this event in each homeroom.

Scenic Principal Dr. O'Dowd says, "I am so proud of our Student Leaders this year. We expanded their responsibilities quite a bit this year, and they certainly stepped up to the challenge, from collecting and counting donations to helping our new students from the very first day of school, to cheering Scenic on at our Kickoff to Reading, Walkathon, and more! They are always ready, willing, and able to jump in and help! Without a doubt, they exemplify what being a student leader is all about! Shout out to Ms. Mahoney and Ms. Schwalbe for being exemplary role models for the group as well!"

It has been an honor to witness the great leaders our Scenic students have become.

#PrideInAllThings #SSDService

This press release was produced by the Springfield School District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.