Student representatives highlight restorative practices, PBIS and transportation challenges

Student representatives Cheyenne Lynch and Kanda Carmahin presented the board with highlights from October school visits, saying administrators and teachers at Hillrest Elementary and Drexah Hill Middle School are using learning targets, restorative conferences and PBIS to support students academically and emotionally.

''Cheyenne Lynch said students "feel supported emotionally and academically" and described restorative conferences as a non‑adversarial approach that helps resolve conflicts quickly. The representatives said teachers'check-ins, recognition programs and extracurriculars such as flag football and cross country help increase engagement.

''Both student representatives noted transportation problems. The report said busing hiccups remain the biggest challenge to attendance, an issue administrators recognize and continue to address.

''The student reps also described district efforts to promote literacy through a community-read series and noted that administrators were given copies of James Clear's Atomic Habits to encourage productivity and small habit changes.

''The presentation concluded with thanks to the board for the opportunity to report; the transcript shows the board acknowledged and thanked the student representatives.