La Conner Middle School and La Conner High School students shared their perspectives on academics, extracurriculars, and school policies with district officials recently, flipping the usual dynamic as administrators took notes and listened.
Superintendent David Cram, Director of Teaching and Learning Beth Clothier, and school board members Susie Deyo and Kim Pedroza met with students over pizza and dessert, gathering input on potential course schedule changes, new class offerings, and student activities. The discussions took place during the board’s March 10 study session in the middle school library.
“It’s impactful for us to come here and directly hear from our students,” Deyo said. “It’s a priority for us to promote student voice.”
Students voiced a range of interests. High schoolers expressed a desire for career and technology classes, the return of sign language and choir, and more promotion of the Drama Club. Some also supported strengthening ties with other schools, particularly in athletics. Seniors showed enthusiasm for reinstating a seven-period day, which had been reduced to six periods due to budget cuts following a drop in enrollment after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eighth graders highlighted interest in peer mentoring, outdoor education, the Science Olympiad, and a book club. Middle school students strongly supported the band program and called for the return of Lushootseed, the traditional Coast Salish language, to the curriculum.
Athletics and activities also surfaced in discussions. Some high school students suggested adding boys’ volleyball as a winter club sport. School board student representative Kellie Cayou-Lockrem noted students wanted more volunteer opportunities and activity nights with games and contests.
The district’s No Cell Phone policy, implemented at the start of the school year, received mostly positive reviews. However, students said some classes require taking photos of assignments, which is easier with a cell phone than a computer. La Conner Middle and High School Counselor Erik Crinklaw said students proposed using Yondr pouches only for those who misuse their phones rather than as a blanket policy.
Students appreciated the opportunity to be heard.
“It was a lot of fun,” said sixth grader Wyatt Stevens. “I had time to ask and answer questions.”
Eighth grader Anthony Cladoosby shared similar sentiments.
“It went really well,” Cladoosby said. “I was able to answer a lot of questions.”
And, as expected in any student gathering, food service was a topic of discussion.
“I wish we could have lunch like this — pizza — every day,” one student said.
The brownies for dessert were a hit, too.
