Students share candid feedback on school meals, spirit, and cell phone rules
While student voice is a key catchphrase in public education these days, at the La Conner School District, it receives more than mere lip service.
Twice each year, district administrators and board members meet with students to get their input on a wide array of topics. They held the most recent meeting Oct. 15.
Two student groups were asked about cafeteria food quality, how school spirit is generated, the effectiveness of the state’s new SchooLinks college and career readiness platform, the effectiveness of the district’s J-term tutoring program, and the effects of cellphones no longer being allowed in the classroom.
Board member Alana Quintasket worked with middle school girls during the first half of the meeting and met with high school boys after that. She chuckled at how the perspectives of the two groups differed while considering the same questions.
There was, however, some consensus. Most students agreed that campus food service has improved, especially the breakfast menu, though some said mealtimes are too short. As for factors enhancing school spirit, sports and spirit week activities were listed by high school students. A sixth grader said being greeted at the door in the morning is much appreciated.
The campus cell phone ban, now in its second year, drew mostly positive responses. Board member Kim Pedroza said she was told by high school students that they don’t necessarily use the Yondr pouches provided to store their phones during the day but are okay with not accessing phones during class.
Students agreed that the cell phone ban makes them more apt to ask teachers for help with assignments and interact with their peers.
Quintasket said her high school group finds the SchooLinks program “more senior (class) specific and not as helpful for sophomores.”
La Conner Schools Director of Teaching and Learning Beth Clothier said that view might change going forward.
“SchooLinks is designed to be more comprehensive,” she explained. “The sophomores won’t feel as connected with it until spring.”
Prior to meeting with the students, the board addressed several personnel matters.
John Howe was confirmed as the La Conner High boys’ head basketball coach, succeeding Lance Lopez who has stepped aside after two seasons to coach softball at Skagit Valley College. Howe served as Lopez’s assistant coach both years.
Amber Du Wors-Petrich was hired as a paraeducator assigned to the Braves Hub after-school program. The board also accepted the resignation of Zanetta Cayou as cheerleading coach. Cayou has been promoted to Assistant Director of the Swinomish Education Department, which has made finding time to fulfill her cheer squad duties more difficult, Cram and Clothier indicated.
Bill Reynolds is a general assignment reporter for La Conner Community News.
