Advisors: Mr. West & Mrs. Wall 2017-2018 TMSA Student Council Advisors: Mr. West & Mrs. Wall

What is it? The student council helps share students' ideas, interests, and concerns with teachers and school principals. They often also help raise funds for school-wide activities, including social events, community projects, helping people in need and school reform.

“Student Council is a waste of time” Member from last year

That’s up to you.

Student Council is student led Ultimately, how much of an effect student council has on both the school and yourself is up to you. The purpose of Student Council is to be an entirely student-run organization that does fundraising for school functions, the creation and management of said school functions, and advocating the desires and needs of the student body. What this means is that we as your advisors will not be holding your hand as you go step by step through each event. We will provide you with advice (hence the name), but the way this council goes is up to you. That being said, let’s look at some long-term and short-term goals.

Short-Term Goal #1: Student Elections Traditionally, the leadership of student council is done through school- wide elections towards the end of the previous school year. As this was not done last year, we will be having high school elections at the beginning of this year (now). These elections will be high-school wide, not just student council, so you need to campaign. We also need to determine a date for the elections, no later than September 22nd.

Student Council Positions President: Lead all meetings Give assistance, guidance, and praise Act as a facilitator during discussion Maintain frequent contact with faculty and administration Work with advisor on all planning Participate in student council sponsored activities/events

Student Council Positions Vice President: Work closely with President Assume President’s duties when needed Work with President and Treasurer in preparing calendar and budget Assist the President in preparing meeting agendas

Student Council Positions Treasurer: Oversee council expenses and revenues Maintain an accurate and detailed financial record Give monetary advice to the council Authorize payment/deposits Work with President and Vice President in preparing calendar and budget

Student Council Positions Secretary: Keep an account of minutes at every meeting Keep an accurate account of attendance at every meeting Maintain a roster of active members Maintain contact information for people who work with the council Responsible for “Thank You’ cards

Student Council Positions Historian: Keeps a record of all Council activities and events Responsible for taking pictures or otherwise documenting Student Council events Prepares a monthly report for the Council that covers the proceedings of the previous month

Any other positions that should be included (grade level representatives, etc.?)

Student Council Elections You need to declare what position you intend to run for by the end of this week (September 1st). You will be responsible for your own campaigning, including the creation of any posters, pins, etc (pending advisor approval). You may only declare for one position.

What happens if I don’t get/want a position? You are still welcome to be a part of Student Council! While you may have a named position, all students who regularly attend Student Council may be part of the Advisory Council. The Advisory Council will present ideas and concerns to the Student Council as well as present their opinion on topics to the council. Also, in the case a Student Council member has to step down from their position, vacant seats will be filled from the Advisory Council.

Student Council Responsibilities If you do run and gain a seat, you are expected to maintain your seat. This means Student Council should be a priority for you. If you are absent too much, the other members of Student Council can (and will) elect to remove you from your position. Members of the Advisory Council do not have the same requirement, but should still try to attend the majority of meetings.

Short Term Goal: Recycling Last year, student council was responsible for maintaining recycling. This was done once a week during lunch. With changes to the lunch schedule this week, that might be trickier. Points to consider: Not all teachers have recycling bins currently When would be the best time to gather recycling? Lunch, Study Hall? Before/After School (9th period?) Do we want to try to also recycle glass/plastic this year? Would we need additional bins, or just more time for sorting?

Short Term Goal: Patriot Day Patriot Day is on September 11th, and serves to remember those we lost on 9/11/01. That is two weeks from today, and is also the next time we’ll meet as a group (next Monday is Labor Day). Mrs. Jackson is planning to sell American Flag stickers which will act as dress down passes for Patriot Day, as long as students wear red, white, and/or blue. We would also like to purchase/create a wreath to place at the flag on Patriot Day. Any thoughts on this?

Student Council Long Term Goals One common complaint last year was that there weren’t enough events for High School. Again, changing that is up to you. Mrs. Favreau has some ideas for upcoming events, but they require planning and organization by you. Here are some possible events this year: Pep Rallies Spirit Days College Days Homecoming (already booked, needs volunteers/planners) Tiki Night 2

Junior Prom Now that we have upperclassmen, we should consider having a Junior Prom. We have teachers in the school who have been on Prom Committees before and are willing to help, but the planning, organization, and fundraising responsibilities fall on you. If you want to have a prom this year, the sooner you start planning, the better.

Other ideas? Questions, Comments, Concerns? Now’s the time to let them out.