Student Representatives focused on the Medical Lake Promise #1, Foster a Safe and Supportive Learning Environment Through a Culture of Belonging

High School and Middle School questions were about the current school climate, what can be done to make students feel more connected to the school community, have they experienced bullying/harassment at school, do you believe students feel respected and valued regardless of background or identity and how can schools better promote a culture of belonging. 

Elementary students were asked if they feel happy at school, do they have friends at school, have the ever felt left out or teased, do they think everyone is treated fairly and what can be done to make school a better place to learn and play.

Chuks went to the Middle School. Students say the classrooms feel safe, but that verbal bullying is prevalent. 6th graders wished there were more after school sports available to them and perhaps some geared towards students with special needs. One thing they touched on, is that "every student" is rude to all other students as a way of trying to fit in. They felt that having some specific time set aside during a portion of the day that could be used to teach them how to be kind and use kind words would be good.  The students Chuks spoke with felt that building administrators could get a better handle on discipline as well. However, the overall vibe was the school is not bad, they like the improved schedule and would like to see more groups and clubs to help students in need.

Chuks also reported on Trinity's trip to Michael Anderson Elementary. Students there enjoy school overall. They love recess, art and hanging out with their friends. As military kids, they've been to quite a few schools and said that teasing doesn't take place at Michael Anderson Elementary like it does in other schools they've been to, and that it's their favorite school to attend. They feel that everyone, no matter who they are or where they're from, are treated equally at Michael Anderson. Students would like to see more things centered around art and possibly a student lounge where they'd have access to buy snacks, a couch and mini fridge where they can unwind if they needed to. 

Ashley talked with students at Hallett Elementary, specifically kindergarten and 5th grade. Both grades say they're happy with school but 5th graders who walk to school are concerned about the cars on the road. Kindergarteners say school is amazing and they feel safe, they're learning to count and enjoying being at school. When asked if they have friends, 5th grade says yes, everyone does and kindergarteners pointed to everyone in class saying all students were their friends. Kindergarteners don't feel anyone is left out or teased, while 5th graders say everyone has been at one point, but not currently. 5th graders would like to see different things to learn and better safety walking to school. Kindergarten is happy with school the way it is, but do say the "big kids" get to do more things. 

Ashley read Gabby's report from the High School. The students there feel kids are overall respectful. They like the assemblies and the recognition students are getting for sports. They feel the school climate is good and the only time they feel excluded is when they're not in a class with their friends. Students like the open campus lunch and would like to see more afterschool activities. Some have witnessed students being bullied and think it would be helpful if everyone knew there were consequences and what those are. For the most part, however, most students feel respected. To improve the climate, students would like to see more class activities, and assemblies. Last year there were slide shows highlighting student achievements, they'd like to see those continue. It might make more students get involved outside of class.

Things are looking different this year than they did last year since we went from 7 schools in our league to 4.

We've hired a new cheer coach, she's great and students seem to really like her. She is putting on a cheer camp with 30 boys and girls in attendance. 

Cross country went to Tillamook and a lot of students beat their personal records. It was great to see.  

There is a 2 week volleyball camp for 6th graders this year as well.