On September 3rd, U-32 Student Council representatives from grades 7–12 gathered with their advisors for a daylong retreat to launch the year’s work. Supported by UP for Learning, the team started off their year strong!
We started off the retreat with a dialogue about power and participation. Students reflected on times when decisions had been made for them, without their voice, and contrasted that with moments when they were invited to be part of the process. Students reflected that the exclusion left feelings of frustration and invisibility, while inclusion generated energy, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
The group grounded into a central commitment for the year ahead: Student Council is not simply about representation, but about amplifying the voices of the broader student body and modeling decision-making done with students input. Some team members reflected on their work on school budgets last year. The team developed many systems, structures, and supports to make this possible.
The Student Council spent a lot of time visioning and prioritizing projects for the year, from cell phone procedures at school, to hosting a club fair, to planning a career day for all students. “Minute to Win It” activities sprinkled throughout the day, brought laughter and joy to the hard work of this team. From sticky notes plastered on foreheads, to a spirited “Name That Tune”, to shoe flicking through a basketball hoop, the fun was felt by all!
The U-32 Student Council demonstrates that when young people are given the tools, trust, and time to lead, they do so with clarity, creativity, and care. This group has a big task ahead this year balancing their projects, building power together, ensuring every voice matters and is heard in decision making, and making meaningful change in their school community.
