Sullivan Middle School students present ambassador program to Holyoke School Committee
January 13, 2024 | Holyoke Public Schools, School Boards, Massachusetts
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Sullivan Middle School student ambassadors presented their program to the Holyoke School Committee, describing how the program selects and trains student leaders and how those students support peers and school activities.
"My name is Zoe Rodriguez. A student ambassador is a student who embodies the values of reach, serves as a representative of their classmates," said Zoe Rodriguez, a student ambassador, who explained that applicants must submit three teacher references, meet academic and attendance thresholds and complete an interview. Students said the program is competitive: this year the school has 37 ambassadors across fifth through eighth grades.
Ambassadors described duties that include morning announcements, supporting school events, assisting the main office and intentionally reaching out to newcomers. "We make sure they're included," a student said when asked how newcomers are welcomed during lunch and team-building activities. Teachers present said the program includes trial periods and family communication about the application process.
Committee members and audience members asked practical questions about when ambassadors meet and how they help quieter students. Principal and staff chaperones said meetings generally occur during the school day and families are shown the application process; the program has openings planned to increase recruitment. Committee member Tinsley Williams offered to be a point of contact for ambassadors in Ward Two, and other members praised the students' leadership and public speaking.
The presentation concluded with a round of applause from committee members. The superintendent and principals said they will continue to use student voice—including the ambassador program—to inform district efforts to increase student engagement and belonging.
Next steps: the committee suggested sharing the student materials and video online and encouraged other schools to consider similar student-led councils.
"My name is Zoe Rodriguez. A student ambassador is a student who embodies the values of reach, serves as a representative of their classmates," said Zoe Rodriguez, a student ambassador, who explained that applicants must submit three teacher references, meet academic and attendance thresholds and complete an interview. Students said the program is competitive: this year the school has 37 ambassadors across fifth through eighth grades.
Ambassadors described duties that include morning announcements, supporting school events, assisting the main office and intentionally reaching out to newcomers. "We make sure they're included," a student said when asked how newcomers are welcomed during lunch and team-building activities. Teachers present said the program includes trial periods and family communication about the application process.
Committee members and audience members asked practical questions about when ambassadors meet and how they help quieter students. Principal and staff chaperones said meetings generally occur during the school day and families are shown the application process; the program has openings planned to increase recruitment. Committee member Tinsley Williams offered to be a point of contact for ambassadors in Ward Two, and other members praised the students' leadership and public speaking.
The presentation concluded with a round of applause from committee members. The superintendent and principals said they will continue to use student voice—including the ambassador program—to inform district efforts to increase student engagement and belonging.
Next steps: the committee suggested sharing the student materials and video online and encouraged other schools to consider similar student-led councils.
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