Student advisory committee showcases classroom engagement strategies to Huntley 158 board

Students on the superintendent’s newly formed student advisory committee described a district pilot that brought student voice into professional learning and recommended expanding the model to other grade levels.

Alexander Martinez, who identified himself as a fifth‑grade student at Oogie Elementary, said the student‑led session demonstrated how engagement strategies make lessons more memorable: “I was really excited to be there,” he said, describing hands‑on activities and interaction that replaced long note‑taking. Other students and presenters highlighted four classroom strategies — game‑based learning, student voice and choice, real‑world connections and active movement — as approaches that helped both teachers and students during the institute day.

Administrators and board members said teacher feedback from the pilot was positive and recommended exploring broader rollout. District leaders said they used student feedback from visits across schools to design the session and tied the work to the district’s strategic plan and a ‘portrait of a learner’ competency that emphasizes engagement.

Board members asked practical questions about scaling the model, including whether it could be adapted for elementary levels and how teacher professional learning would incorporate the techniques. Students suggested simple changes — for example, more interactive lessons and a clearer bell schedule — and one student asked the board to consider consistent two‑minute passing times and clearer communication about bells so teachers and students can coordinate lessons and transitions.

The board thanked the student presenters and encouraged administrators to bring follow‑up reports; administrators said they would provide additional updates at the May regular meeting. The presentation concluded with applause and an invitation for students to stay involved in future sessions.