Reed Student Council Raises The Gavel

By Larissa Lytwyn

Reed Intermediate School Student Council, comprised of student representatives from each homeroom, as well as each representative’s alternative, introduces the value of democracy in an unprecedented hands-on way.

“This particular Student Council, the second we’ve had since the school has been open, is a particularly strong group,” said co-advisor Lil Martenson. “Our officers, which include our president Josh Esker, vice president Kayla O’ Leary, treasurer Sean Fahey, and secretary Jillian Jagoe, are all incredibly dedicated.”

Ms Martenson and co-advisor Michael Altenburger are working to instill a formalized meeting structure that echoes that of adult town and school committees.

The group, which meets monthly, is comprised of about 80 students. Its last meeting was held on Tuesday, November 2.

Most recently, the group has been planning its annual canned foods drive in support of Women in Newtown’s (WIN) Thanksgiving food drive.

Student Council members have been busy making posters to promote the drive. Students have been bringing in nonperishable items over the past several weeks. Although initial involvement was slow, Josh asserted that the continued poster-making effort would help get the word out.

Another major project the Student Council hopes to tackle is the Adopt-A-Family program, in which Newtown residents can support a family in need during the holidays through providing them with food and toys.

To purchase the goods, however, takes a considerable amount of money.

“We were thinking about doing a fundraiser similar to the one that took place last spring at the middle school,” said Mr Altenberger during the November 2 meeting. “We held a charity basketball game between students and faculty. We charged admission for entry, plus had plenty of refreshments available. It was a great success!”

At the prospect of competing against their teachers, several council members’ eyes lit up. Several even made whoops of excitement.

“That is a really, really, really good idea,” noted Sean, grinning up at Mr Altenburger.

“But,” he added, “Which sport are we going to choose?”

He suggested that the school vote on a sport to play.

“There aren’t a very wide range of options,” said Mr Altenberger. “We’re going to be doing December or so, so it’s going to have to take place inside, hopefully in our own gym.”

Sean suggested putting sports like volleyball, basketball, and possibly even indoor-hockey or soccer on a ballot for students to pick.

Ms Martenson put in that the gym’s maximum capacity would have to be checked to make sure it could accommodate students, faculty, and attendees.

If not, the game would have to take place at an alternative location, possibly the middle or high school gym. “Which would [entail] rent,” said Josh knowingly. “Hopefully, we can use our own gym.”

The meeting was adjourned with the next date to be announced.

Ms Martenson again praised the children for their strong initiative and drive to supporting their school and greater community. “Also, it should be noted that the process of selecting the officers was a pretty serious one,” she said. “Pretty intense!”

Each prospective officer had to write a statement of purpose and acquire a nonfamily member letter of recommendation. Candidates were narrowed through interviews with faculty members.

Finally, the remaining two to three candidates for each position gave fellow classmates a speech on why they should be selected.

“Josh did a particularly memorable speech,” said Ms Martenson. “It was kind of a spoof of the presidential debates between Kerry and Bush, which were happening at the time. It was great!”

After their speeches, the school’s student population chose their top pick for the positions.

“It was quite the process,” said Ms Martenson. “And it shows. These kids are eminently qualified to do what they are doing. It’s a truly valuable experience for them to learn about leadership.”