In a small community like McKenzie, we understand that every voice matters. Whether at a school event, a board meeting, or a conversation around town, people care deeply and are willing to speak up. That same principle guides our work in schools. This week, I’d like to focus on student voice and how creating meaningful opportunities for students to lead and be heard strengthens our entire school community.
When students feel heard, they feel valued. When they feel valued, they are more engaged in their learning and more connected to school. Student voice is not simply about asking for opinions; it is about building intentional structures where student ideas, leadership, and feedback help shape their experience.
Currently, our K to 12 regular attendance rate is 61 percent. While we continue working to improve overall attendance, we are encouraged by bright spots. Our third grade and eleventh grade students are leading the way, with 77 percent regular attendance. When students feel invested and involved, attendance improves. Strengthening student voice is one of the ways we are working to build that investment and improve attendance.
Student government at both the middle and high school levels remains a key avenue for leadership. In elected roles, students plan events, represent their peers, and serve as a bridge between students and staff. These experiences build responsibility, strengthen communication skills, and foster civic awareness.
At the high school level, our Student Leadership class extends that work by mentoring fifth and sixth grade class officers. This cross-grade partnership helps younger students learn leadership skills early while giving high school students meaningful responsibility and service opportunities.
New this academic year, we also added a Student Representative to the District Board of Directors. This role provides a direct student perspective at the governance level. Including student voice in board discussions strengthens decision making and models civic engagement in a powerful and authentic way.
We also gather student input through weekly student interviews and regular surveys. Interviews allow us to spotlight individual students and better understand their experiences. Surveys provide broader feedback about school climate and engagement, helping guide planning and improvement efforts.
With the conclusion of high school winter sports last week, this week brings fewer events to track. Thank you to everyone who attended Donkey Basketball! It was a great turnout and a night full of laughs.
Looking ahead this week, Monday is Presidents’ Day and classes will not be in session. The Middle School Boys basketball team will travel to Falls City for a 4:30 p.m. tip-off. On Wednesday, the District Board of Directors will hold their February meeting at 5:30 p.m., and the Middle School Boys will host Crow at 4:30 p.m. Friday, the Afterschool Program’s Friday Program will be in session. Saturday, our Transportation Team will attend the Oregon Pupil Transportation Association Winter Conference in Eugene to continue their professional learning.
When students know their voices matter, they are more likely to show up, participate, and thrive. Thank you for supporting our students as leaders and contributors to the McKenzie community. Together, we continue building a school where every voice counts.