"The first concept for a student council started back in 350 BC when Plato gathered a group of young philosophers and started his Academy (The History of Student Councils, Uri Lafontant). " --Rosa Aurea, 10th grade
Why do we need a student body government? Does having such a council really make a change in the school community? Here’s what I think.
To start, the first concept for a student council started back in 350 BC when Plato gathered a group of young philosophers and started his Academy (The History of Student Councils, Uri Lafontant). Fun fact, Aristotle studied there. Now, the student council is implemented to help school administrators and faculty members get student input on how the school is being run, what works and what doesn’t. Student government is also a good way for students to get in touch with school admins from many different schools. These connections will give them a better shot at getting into the school/university they want to go to in the future.
I was once part of the student council myself. Back in eighth grade, I was treasurer.
Not because I was voted for that position, but because no one else wanted to do it. As such, I will admit that being treasurer helped train my mental math skills, and it taught me how to manage my money better. On the other hand, though, my fellow council members slacked off greatly on their ends, which forced me to do all of the work and manage all the events on my own.
Why they skimped out on their work, I will never know. I suspect that they only joined for the snacks that were provided for the council because they left as soon as the teachers supervising had their backs turned. My stress levels were through the roof during my time on the council student body and I think that it hurt me more than helped me. I find that quite a shame because I was always so excited to be on the SBC. Being immersed in the school community and culture always made me happy and due to former experience, being a part of a greater whole was very important to me, and winning that position as treasurer was a dream come true.
What followed after, unfortunately, was quite the nightmare. Sad to say, but the student council really didn’t make a change. Despite my best efforts, kids were still skipping class, picking fights, and back-talking to teachers. No matter how many assemblies I asked admins to hold, how many people I brought in to talk to the kids, no one paid my efforts any mind. All I got was a sympathetic smile and a pat on the back for my efforts. Needless to say, I doubt I’ll ever run in an election ever again.
Sources:
Butler, Tamsen
What Does the Student Council Do?
published by Love to Know
https://teens.lovetoknow.com/teen-activities/what-does-student-council-do
Student government president
last updated 21 August, 2021
puslished by Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Student_government_president
Carlton, Genevieve
History and Importance of Student Governments
published by The Best Schools
https://thebestschools.org/magazine/history-and-importance-of-student-governments/
To start, the first concept for a student council started back in 350 BC when Plato gathered a group of young philosophers and started his Academy (The History of Student Councils, Uri Lafontant). Fun fact, Aristotle studied there. Now, the student council is implemented to help school administrators and faculty members get student input on how the school is being run, what works and what doesn’t. Student government is also a good way for students to get in touch with school admins from many different schools. These connections will give them a better shot at getting into the school/university they want to go to in the future.
I was once part of the student council myself. Back in eighth grade, I was treasurer.
Not because I was voted for that position, but because no one else wanted to do it. As such, I will admit that being treasurer helped train my mental math skills, and it taught me how to manage my money better. On the other hand, though, my fellow council members slacked off greatly on their ends, which forced me to do all of the work and manage all the events on my own.
Why they skimped out on their work, I will never know. I suspect that they only joined for the snacks that were provided for the council because they left as soon as the teachers supervising had their backs turned. My stress levels were through the roof during my time on the council student body and I think that it hurt me more than helped me. I find that quite a shame because I was always so excited to be on the SBC. Being immersed in the school community and culture always made me happy and due to former experience, being a part of a greater whole was very important to me, and winning that position as treasurer was a dream come true.
What followed after, unfortunately, was quite the nightmare. Sad to say, but the student council really didn’t make a change. Despite my best efforts, kids were still skipping class, picking fights, and back-talking to teachers. No matter how many assemblies I asked admins to hold, how many people I brought in to talk to the kids, no one paid my efforts any mind. All I got was a sympathetic smile and a pat on the back for my efforts. Needless to say, I doubt I’ll ever run in an election ever again.
Sources:
Butler, Tamsen
What Does the Student Council Do?
published by Love to Know
https://teens.lovetoknow.com/teen-activities/what-does-student-council-do
Student government president
last updated 21 August, 2021
puslished by Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Student_government_president
Carlton, Genevieve
History and Importance of Student Governments
published by The Best Schools
https://thebestschools.org/magazine/history-and-importance-of-student-governments/