The student leadership team at Columbia Vista Intermediate (CVI) has been hard at work since the beginning of the school year. Their team is composed of sixth-grade students who are responsible for completing projects that help create a more unified school environment. Today, we had the opportunity to speak with some students from the team.
This group of students has been empowered by their school administration and leadership advisor to take on additional responsibility and agency when it comes to some of the messages being shared out to the student body. This helps alleviate the tremendous work being done by our staff and provides students with a unique opportunity to help mold the school they inhabit.
Some of these projects include creating posters, signs, videos, and other media projects to help explain difficult concepts. One example is the REP assemblies held at our school. REP stands for Respect, Excellence, and Perseverance; pillars each student at Columbia Vista Intermediate should aspire to have.
At our school-wide REP assemblies, leadership students have recited speeches, and unveiled slideshow and video presentations related to Respect, Excellence, and Perseverance. Asher, a sixth grader, noted that although fourth, fifth and sixth grade students attend CVI, it is important to write and create for students of all grades, “We write for a third-grade level, to try and make sure everyone can understand.”
Another student built on this idea, mentioning that the group has also begun to make their own Question and Answer sets for Blooket, a digital, interactive, game-based learning platform that is popular among students. Not all students respond to presentations and speeches, so integrating video and Blooket as additional channels is a creative way of making sure everyone receives the same information.
One project that students were excited to share about was supporting the Umatilla High School soccer teams as they advanced to the state playoffs. The leadership team created handmade posters and signs of encouragement for the high school teams. This is one example of the tight-knit relationships that students, educators and families value about the Umatilla School District; when one of our schools prevails, it is celebrated by all.
Lilah, a sixth-grade student, reflects on her work as a student leader this school year. “I have noticed more people stopping to look at our work. Sometimes, adults explain things in ways we don’t always know. If it comes from someone your age, it might be easier for you to understand.”
Asher adds to this, “Sometimes, it helps to have a peer to tell you about something, or teach something. Also, it might make someone want to listen to what a friend is saying or even make them want to follow in their footsteps.”
Another student leader, Rodrigo, shared that his favorite thing about being in the leadership class is all the different opportunities and ways he can get involved and help. Madison explained that her favorite part of being in leadership was helping others become a better version of themselves. Both responses reflect a shared focus on helping and serving others.
The group shared a wide range of goals for the incoming year. All of them want to keep their grades up and strive to do better each day. Some are excited about meeting new students and helping them feel welcome. Others look forward to reciting longer speeches and taking on new responsibilities. What is clear is that each person has a natural desire to keep growing as a leader.
Our CVI leadership team has hit the ground running since we began the school year in our new building, and are set to have a full year ahead after winter break.