Persell Middle School PBIS eighth grade representatives, Carlous Blake and Gracelynn Reedy, prepare a rootbeer float for fifth grader, Mason Kent, during lunchtime with the help of School Counselor Jacob Wilcox and Assistant Principal Traci Thompson. The representatives are part of the school’s PBIS Committee, which offers rewards for good behavior. There are two representatives from each grade level on the committee to help give students a voice in the school.

Persell Middle School’s student leaders play an important role, by giving a voice to their student body. The school has empowered students to let the school’s administration; teachers and staff know how they feel by including them on their PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) Team, by establishing and developing eighth grade homeroom representatives, and by continuing to evolve their student council.

“The students represent the largest portion of our daily school community, so it’s only natural that we listen to and value their ideas,” said Persell Middle School Principal Mike McElrath. “Everybody should have a say in the decisions that impact their daily lives in school, that includes not only school staff, but the students as well. It’s their school as much as it’s ours.”

There are two PBIS student representatives per grade level: eighth grade – Gracelynn Reedy and Carlous Blake, seventh grade – Romello Sharp and Keiran Godwin, sixth grade – Tori Tehan and Ryan Engquist. The students meet once a month with the PBIS Committee to give their thoughts on the types of rewards that students would like to see for good behavior. The representatives were nominated by teachers for their ability to be good role models and leaders.

“We are the voice of the kids on the committee and let them know how we feel,” said Persell Middle School sixth grader Tori Tehan. “We ask the students what is working and what isn’t.”

The PBIS representatives have really helped the committee. One suggestion, that food not be a major reward, came about because Tori noted that some kids have food allergies and it would leave them out. There are now always options available so every student can participate.

“It’s been interesting to be part of because it is something new for me,” said Persell Middle School sixth grader Ryan Endquist. “We make sure the activity is something the kids will want to do as a reward. We’ve brought suggestions such as going to Bergman Park or ice skating at Northwest Arena. The committee listens to us as we are hearing directly from the kids.”

The 8th Grade Homeroom Representatives are elected by the students in their homerooms to participate in monthly meetings with Dr. McElrath and Mrs. Thompson. Each 8th grade homeroom has two representatives. Students elected to these positions must maintain good behavior throughout the school year. Given that this is their final year of middle school, it makes sense that the 8th graders would have a larger say in the decision-making process that affects them.

“Your eighth graders set the tone for the building, so you definitely need their leadership and participation” said Dr. McElrath.

After the students and administration have their discussions, the reps are charged with going back to their homerooms to share information and gather feedback. They have offered suggestions for cafeteria seating arrangements, provided feedback on food choices, and offered ideas for incentives that eighth graders would like to have in place.

“Often the teachers and principals don’t know what the kids want or are thinking,” said Persell 8th Grade Homeroom rep, Dalana Jackson. “We are able to bring back certain topics to our homeroom, find out the kids’ thoughts and share them with Dr. McElrath. For example, we told Dr. McElrath that students wanted to bring back the tables in the lunchroom after COVID. They missed sitting in groups with their friends.”

“We also talked about the eighth grade end of the year field trip and Dr. McElrath wanted ideas on what to do for this year,” said Persell 8th Grade Homeroom rep, Asziah Jones. “It’s important to have these positions because we can help our fellow students and often they come up with good solutions.”

Persell Student Council, which consists of eighth graders, has created many fun and philanthropic opportunities for its student body, especially this year as they try to get school as much back to normal as possible. Persell Student Council members are: Fatima Faridi – President, Lucas Arnone – Vice President, Kortni Covell – Secretary, Veronica Short – Photographer, Allie Weber – Photographer, Luke Kirshman – Advisor Assistant and Emma Walrod – General Assistant. They have held a hat and glove drive during the winter, spirit weeks and holiday festivities.

“I wanted to join the Student Council because I saw others experiencing it and I thought it would be fun,” said Persell eighth grader Lucas Arnone. “It is important to have a Student Council because it is an easy way to get things done and give the school a student’s perspective.”

The students know how important being leaders is to helping their school.

“I think that students often feel more comfortable coming to another student if they have a suggestion or complaint,” said Persell 8th grader, Fatima Faridi who is on the Student Council. “We can express their ideas and thoughts to the principals and teachers to help get things accomplished.”