By Susannah White

On September 10th, the U-32 Student Council gathered for a powerful first retreat to kick off their school year with clear and ambitious goals: to strengthen team cohesion, reflect on their individual values and leadership styles, and strategize for impactful actions throughout the year. The retreat was a vibrant mix of introspection, collaboration, and creative exploration, setting the stage for a dynamic and effective year for this team.

At U-32, the Student Council is made up of elected student representatives from the middle and high school. This group’s purpose is to represent, advocate for, and support the student body through leadership and policy. Achieving this requires not just a shared vision but also an understanding of each member’s strengths and styles. To facilitate reflection and dialogue on these topics, the day began with an engaging session on exploring values, where members discussed and defined the principles that drive their work. This was followed by a ‘Compass Points’ leadership self-assessment and a fun, creative fashion show design challenge, which not only sparked excitement but also fostered team spirit and collaboration. By identifying their strengths and areas for growth, council members gained valuable insights into how they can work together more effectively, aligning their personal goals with the group’s collective mission.

A highlight of the retreat was the S.O.A.R. chalk talk, a reflective exercise where members mapped out their aspirations and strategies for the year (S.O.A.R. stands for Strengths, Opportunities for growth, Aspirations, and Results). This activity was crucial in envisioning the actions the Student Council wants to take and considering the systems, strategies, and resources necessary to support these initiatives. Following this, the group enjoyed a picnic lunch and then participated in team planning time, where they began prioritizing their desired actions and thinking about how to use data to guide their efforts.

Becca Tatistcheff, U-32’s new principal, joined in on the action at various points throughout the day. At the end of the retreat, Becca shared her input on priority actions and communicated her desire to effectively partner with the Student Council to support the sustainability and integrity of their work.

The enthusiastic and sincere commitment of the group was palpable throughout the retreat. Through thoughtful and honest dialogue, the Student Council demonstrated a strong desire to work collaboratively and to strengthen their group dynamics to maximize effectiveness and ensure equity of voice. 

Looking ahead, the Student Council is poised to transform their aspirations into reality. In the next few weeks, they plan to refine their priorities and explore what relationships, resources, and support is needed to help them hit their stride. By leveraging the YPAR (Youth Participatory Action Research) structure during their weekly meetings and quarterly retreats with UP for Learning, the council aims to create a ripple effect throughout the school, using data to drive meaningful change. 

All in all, the retreat was a promising start to what will surely be a dynamic and impactful year for the U-32 Student Council. With their renewed energy and clear direction, the council is well-positioned to make a significant difference at U-32.