Fraser High School Student Council has been trying to forge connections and deepen relationships through the implementation of different programs, such as the Little Leaders program.
Once a month, members of the high school student council go to Edison Elementary and Richards Middle School to teach leadership lessons and get to know the younger students.
The group of high school students start their lesson every month by updating the young leaders about what is going on at the high school. They share out about events, competitions, progress, and certain projects that they are working on.
Then, there is either a short introduction, or the students get started on the first game or activity. This activity is typically centered around a theme or a lesson. In September, the theme was teamwork/collaboration, the theme in October was conquering fears, November was gratitude, December was giving, January was goal setting, and February was trust. The high schoolers work and play alongside the younger kids and help them adapt to their roles as leaders.
Students of all grades get the opportunity to enjoy and connect to their fellow leaders. “I have so much fun every month getting to connect with the kids and learn from them just as much as they’re learning from us,” Hailey Beauchamp, Fraser High School student council member, said.
“The elementary students genuinely look forward to their time with the high school mentors. They are highly engaged, enthusiastic, and eager to participate in activities and conversations. The high schoolers are seen as role models, which makes the experience feel exciting and special for the younger students,” Mrs. Borkowski, an Edison Elementary student council advisor, said.
Once the first activity or two are complete, the high schoolers take a moment to explain “The Why.” They describe why they did these activities, they explain how the game relates to a specific lesson, and they connect the lesson and the game to a leadership quality. This way, students get to have fun and enjoy themselves while getting valuable time learning how to be a good leader.
“I enjoy the games and everyone trying to interact with each other…I think I have become more of a leader with my peers,” Peyton Haney, a 7th grade student council member at Richards Middle School, said.
Students use this valuable time to not only learn about leadership, but also to forge meaningful connections that last throughout their time in Fraser schools. By establishing relationships early, younger leaders feel more comfortable and ready to lead as they get older. They know all about everything the high school does, they know how to be a good leader, and they already know a handful of the older student council members. The older students that used to be role models turn into peers as the younger kids enter high school.
“These connections are incredibly valuable. They help make high school less scary and allow younger students to envision their own future paths with confidence. Having older students invest time and attention in them builds a sense of belonging and continuity within the district, which can have a lasting impact as students grow,” Mrs. Borkowski said.
The students emerge with strong communication and collaboration skills, confidence, and pride. This is an overall positive experience for everyone involved, and it is a program that Fraser High School student council is excited to continue for many years to come.
