Arnold students “Be the Change” in their school through leadership club

June 13, 2023

Arnold teachers are developing future change agents with a new club.

This year, they created “Be The Change” club allowing third through fifth grade students to amplify their voices and practice leadership skills. 

“I feel proud of being in this club and it just feels really responsible and good in the club because you get to change school,” Arnold fourth grade student Keziah.

“We hope to give each and every student a chance to see themselves represented,” Arnold teacher Kristine Fry said. 

To join the club, students must be nominated by a peer and teacher first. Then, nominated students applied sharing ideas they had about making Arnold a better place for each student to feel connected, safe and supported. 

“People don't have to be alone and they can be in the community,” third-grade club member Kayson said. 

During meetings, club members work on numerous projects to help make Arnold a better place including their vision for the group, ways to support the eagle community and strengthening bonds among themselves. 

The students learned how to speak up for what they believe in, work together as a team and think outside the box to make reasonable and thoughtful changes that will better our school,” Arnold teacher Sarah Nguyen said. 

The students are already making a difference in the short time they’ve been together. They hosted their first annual coin drive and voted to purchase supplies for Arnold teachers. The students fundraised more than $1,500. They also organized and distributed the items to each classroom. 

Arnold plans to continue the club next year and expand opportunities for all students to participate, and not just those who can attend the after-school meetings. 

“I hope that students feel heard and their voice matters. I want them to feel a sense of partnership with adults in our building,” Arnold teacher Emily Faubel added. 

 

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