Student leadership Cougar style
By Julie Matuszewski; photo courtesy of DCS Montessori
DCSM Student Leadership Cougar Council left to right: Back row – Milan Bergen, Gabriel Dozois, Benjamin Anderson, Josephine Crook and Anna Adkins; front row – Michelle Batson, Jack Buan, Rome Sauber, Benjamin Lacina and Zander Ferguson.
The first student leadership council was recently elected at DCS Montessori (DCSM). Cougar Council (CC) is made up of 10 sixth grade students, all of whom were voted in by their fellow sixth grade classmates. The CC will represent the student body in school activities.
With no president or higher council, CC treats its members as equals and with respect. All active members wear badges identifying themselves as council members with responsibilities to the school. Student leaders believe by helping teachers and students, they will have an impact on DCSM.
A member of the CC represents all aspects of Cougar pride: compassion, ownership, unity, generosity, achievement, respect and success. Members meet weekly to strategize plans of action. The team works together, sharing creative ideas. A few top goals of the council include bullying prevention, recycling and assisting with global warming and environmental issues as best they can.
Cougar Council members are hopeful the experience they gain will positively impact their future and success well into their adult lives.
The new year rang in their first plan of action to make DCSM a safe and happy environment through teamwork and problem solving. Pod patrol and morning recess duty were two areas in need of improvement.
Pod patrol involves two council members patrolling a pod for students in the upper elementary where students were being loud, inappropriate and causing a disturbance to others.
During morning recess duty, council members will ask students who are not outside to join the other kids on the playground or field as a way to engage all DCSM students.
CC members are excited about their new leadership opportunities and are hopeful the experience they gain will positively impact their future and success well into their adult lives.
