Student representatives highlight Model UN, speech & debate and student-led feedback on bathrooms and phone policies

Student representatives Bronwyn Downey and Alexis Chen gave the board a roundup of student accomplishments and student-led initiatives.

The pair reported that juniors and seniors participated in the New Jersey State Seal of Biliteracy assessments, which can appear on transcripts and lead to formal recognition through the New Jersey Department of Education for students who demonstrate proficiency. They highlighted Model UN successes — including students winning premier-delegate awards and selections to conferences — and thanked staff advisers and bus drivers who supported the trip.

The students also recapped a successful home speech-and-debate tournament that welcomed more than 600 competitors, and listed winter sports updates including wins by girls' swim and bowling teams. Student reps described student-admin lunch meetings where participants suggested practical changes: placing simple bathroom maps next to sign-out sheets to help underclassmen navigate campus bathrooms, and creating an IT process for students to request that an educational site be unblocked for assignment needs while preserving network safety.

The student representatives said they will continue to work on pulse surveys and help develop the March climate and culture survey with student council and class representatives.

The board thanked the student representatives for their report and encouraged continued student involvement in the strategic planning process.