CCISD elementary student councils receive national honors
Fri, 2016-07-01 05:00
News Staff
Special to Leader-Press
AUSTIN—The plans had been made and implemented, the volunteer service had been completed and the paperwork had been submitted. The only thing left for several CCISD student council advisers and their students was to hold their breath and wait to see if they had done enough.
Clements/Parsons Elementary School, Martin Walker Elementary School and Williams/Ledger Elementary School made history in Copperas Cove with their student councils this year. The three schools were chosen from among more than 8,300 elementary student councils in Texas to receive the National Association of Elementary School Principals Student Council Excellence Award.
Clements/Parsons gifted education teacher Julie Armstrong could not be more proud of the school’s student council members this year.
“They’re interested in helping our school and community by recycling paper and acting as tour guides for new students. Additionally, they have initiated two new programs based on their student interests – a basketball club and a theater arts club. They amaze me with their citizenship, initiative, and interest in making our school a better place. “
The award program, which was started in 1987, recognizes student councils across the nation for making a difference in their schools and communities. Councils are required to organize and participate in a minimum of three charitable activities such as food and clothing banks, Adopt-a-Grandparent programs, school beautification projects, tutoring programs, letter-writing campaigns to soldiers overseas, fundraising events for disaster victims and other worthwhile causes for their communities.
Clements/Parsons Principal Jimmy Shuck said his school’s student council and its sponsors have designed and/or participated in several activities which embody citizenship, leadership, school spirit, responsibility and teamwork.
“As student leaders, they take pride in the services they provide to our students, parents, and community,” Shuck said. “They continue to be instrumental in making positive changes within our school and community serving as role models, and expanding their knowledge of quality leadership traits which will not only serve to improve them, but everyone around them.”
Fifth grade English/Language Arts/Reading teacher Michele Cox said the students helped raise funds, food, clothes and toys for families in the community.
“They exhibit our school’s ‘Ways to Be: Be Safe, Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Ready and Always Be your BEST.’ I am proud to be an advisor for these amazing young ladies and gentlemen.”
Carolyn Solomon, Director of Student Leadership, Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association, was happy to make the announcement to the winning schools.
“Of these 139 outstanding student councils (in the state), we are very pleased to announce that Copperas Cove has three winners this year,” Solomon said. “This is a prestigious honor and is indicative of the outstanding work done on these campuses to foster student leadership.”
A trophy will be presented to each of the winning councils this fall at the annual TEPSA conference. The student groups were recognized at the CCISD Board of Trustees meeting in June.