Upper Elementary & Middle School: Grades 4 through 8
Eton School Leaders Who Make a Difference by Dr. Susan Walker Middle School Teacher
At the end of the 2016–2017 school year, Middle School and Upper Elementary faculty met to review how effective student council has been in encouraging leadership opportunities, particularly for our seventh and eighth grade students. We wanted students who might never run for office still have a chance to lead and students who might never nominate themselves still have the possibility of representing their class. After much discussion, we decided to make some changes to the traditional structure. We decided that the Student Council would be composed of a Leadership Council and Representatives from fourth, fifth, and sixth grades. Our goal was to have every student eligible for election to Student Council. The Leadership Council is an entity made up of only students in seventh and eighth grade. In June, students in fourth through seventh grades receive a list of the seventh- and eighth-grade students for the next school year. There are class meetings about leadership and the qualities of a leader. Then, without discussion and privately, their task is to circle the names of seven students whom they feel would effectively lead their school—listen to ideas, support collaboration, exhibit responsibility, be a good role model, and be one who clearly cares about Eton School and its community. The seven students who receive the most votes are asked if they would serve on the Leadership Council. When 18 | Eton School
school begins in the fall, the Leadership Council meets and votes for their officers from among this group. Prior to the voting, the group brainstorms necessary personal characteristics to fill these roles as well as skills which could be learned on the job. Without discussion and privately, the students write down in order a name for president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer. Students vote, and the officer positions are filled after each elected student is asked if they would be willing to fulfill the duties of the position. This Leadership Council guides the Student Council. Representatives are chosen using the same process. Students are given a list of classmates, and without discussion and in private, they circle the name of the student they feel would best represent their class—be responsible, listen to their ideas, share their ideas during the council meetings, bring back information from the meetings, and be a good role model. As students vote privately, their focus is on recognizing leaders within their grade. The students with the most votes are asked privately if they would be willing to serve as a representative for their classroom, while also having the option to decline. If they decline, the student with the next highest vote tally is asked to serve. Student Council meetings are held once per week during the lunch/recess hour rather than after school in order to have the best possibility of full participation. Spring 2018
