Student Voice

I have always been a proponent of student voice in the classroom and greater school community. Mrs. Royce and her Character Connection Class (CCC) invited me to attend their class. In meeting with Mrs. Royce’s CCC, the students wanted to share their insight, thoughts, and ways to improve the use of our “annual theme” at Francis Howell Middle. This year’s theme Whale Done! The Power of Positive Relationships was the focus of CCC discussion. The class created a PowerPoint presentation that outlined the strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement with this year’s theme. Using similarities and differences the class analyzed the theme in relation to last year’s theme How Full is Your Bucket? They explained that this year’s theme did not live up to the school’s traditional “theme” standards. They voiced their concern of how they were disconnected from the theme, the lack to continuity, and how the theme was not embedded throughout the school community.

Following their presentation they sat quietly waiting for my reply or “rebuttal”.  First I thanked them for making the time during CCC to discuss, plan, and create this PowerPoint presentation. Secondly, I explained that I was impressed with the way they collected their thoughts and shared their opinions about the theme in a positive and productive manner. I reminded them of the importance of “student voice” in our school and without their voiced input, we cannot truly move forward in supporting their educational endeavors. Simply stated, we need their valued input. I shared with the class that there were definite facets of the theme that we failed to roll out in a way that would connect the students to the theme.

I am so proud of this CCC and their endeavor to reach out to me by sharing their voice in a matter that is very dear to our school community. On that day, I became the student and they led me through an empowering and empowered lesson on student voice. I am proud to be the principal of a school where my students have been affirmed and know that it is “ok” to speak their mind when they have a concern, question, or thought on the subject of “their” education.