Kipling fifth-grade student council tells District 109 board about service projects and leadership lessons

Kipling fifth-grade student council members on Dec. 12 told the Deerfield Public Schools District 109 Board of Education about a year of student-led service projects and new ideas to boost school community. The students said they elected officers in the fall (speeches to third through fifth grades) and run regular activities that engage younger students.

The students reported that a December sock drive collected "3 boxes worth of socks," which they donated to Gratitude Generation, a local Deerfield charity. They described a district food-and-supplies collection donated to the West Deerfield Township food pantry and a recurring "Special Someone Day" that invites family or other special guests into the school.

Students also outlined monthly birthday recognitions held during lunch so children feel included and noted other activities that aim to foster leadership and empathy, including a meeting with food-services staff where students gave feedback on possible lunch vendors and learned constraints such as allergy management.

Looking ahead, the student council proposed several ideas still under teacher review, including a buddy bench to reduce exclusion, a dedicated fifth-grade playground, and community-building events such as an all-school dance or ice-cream social. Board members and school leaders praised the students’ leadership; the students later received certificates and posed for a photo with the board.

The presentation highlighted student voice in school operations and small-scale service learning during the school year. No formal board action was taken on the proposals; several items were described as brainstorming and subject to staff approval.