On Thursday, October 17, a total of 20 students from across our seven Mountain View School District (MVSD) schools arrived at their campuses and hopped on an MVSD bus destined for the District Office. As the bus collected two to four students at each school, the group that would be known as this year’s Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SSAC) quickly took shape. 

Now in its third year, the SSAC brings together student representatives in the 5th through 8th grade, serving as a platform for them to use their voice, share concerns and differing perspectives, and take action on issues that affect their campuses. 

A requirement for selection into this body is writing and submitting a compelling application to your school principal. An eighth-grader who has been following the SSAC since its creation commented, “I’ve been interested in the SSAC since they announced it. I want to represent this school—it’s my home, and I feel I can make a change here.”

“I am willing to do anything for my school to be safer and for the students to have more fun,” one student wrote when asked why they were interested in serving as a member. Another added, “I want to help not only my school but the [whole] school District.” Another made light of wanting to get to know the Superintendent and how this experience was unique by sharing, “I am interested  because this is [a] once in a lifetime [opportunity].”

The students also shared concerns about challenges they face on campus, such as social media and bullying. “I consider [social media] challenging for students because it distracts from schoolwork and makes cyberbullying easier,” one applicant shared. Another student mentioned, “I consider [bullying] a challenge because it creates a bad environment for students. School is supposed to be a safe place.”

A major focus will be delving into student ideas and observations about their school. Using a framework made popular by the Harvard Business School in the 1950s, students will create a SWOT analysis for each school to better assess what is working well, identify areas for improvement, and uncover opportunities or challenges. 

As in year’s past, the Council will work toward presenting recommendations to the Board of Education to enhance the student experience at MVSD schools. The SSAC has previously addressed topics such as lunch menu options and student uniform policies. 

Throughout their service, SSAC members will also have hands-on opportunities to engage in leadership during meetings and back on campus. Members will be asked to give input on several subjects, speak to their fellow students at school and present to and speak with MVSD Administration and their Council peers–thereby increasing their confidence in their public speaking abilities and how to navigate diverse groups.

At this first meeting, SSAC members participated in the Great ShakeOut earthquake drill as well as toured several departments, including Business Services, Nutrition Services, Technology, Human Resources, and Educational Services, where they gained insights into how the District functions behind the scenes. Before heading back to their schools, the students enjoyed lunch together and reflected on what they had learned during the day.

Superintendent Dr. Raymond Andry expressed enthusiasm about the growth and impact of the SSAC. “Now in its third year, we’re seeing more students across our District understand the importance of the Student Advisory Council. This year, they seem eager to make an impact right from the start. They’re coming in with a sense of purpose, ready to offer ideas and taking an active role in making a difference. I’m excited to see the outcomes from this year’s group,” Andry said.

In addition to our SSAC, we also hold regular meetings to engage the our parent and family community. One such group is the Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Council (SPAC), which also met for the first time this school year on Monday, Oct. 14. Several representatives have returned for a second year and are now participating in leadership training designed to help them engage in constructive conversations that support their child’s school, the District, and their communities. 

As these student and parent leaders continue their work, they will help ensure a brighter future for the entire Mountain View School District community.