Today Tracey and Tim have a very special show with not one, but three guests! Superintendent of Pendergast Elementary School District, Dr. Jennifer Cruz, is here with Keymora and Kelly who are members of the Eighth Grade Superintendent Student Council. The council began as a way to guide students toward higher education, particularly Ivy League Colleges. Over the years it has grown to become an incredible way to get students involved in leadership and policy decisions for their schools. Dr. Cruz believes it is vital to listen to the students they serve. She feels it’s impossible to make informed policy without actually interacting and getting their input. This is true bottom-up planning.

Kelly and Keymora talk about their experience in the council and how enriching it has been to their time as students, and their lives. It has allowed them to have a seat at the table when it comes to things like dress code, school nutrition, and community service events. It also has been essential in learning leadership skills, consensus building, the ability to take criticism, listening to their peers, and feeling pride from being part of big decision-making processes.

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