Students advocated for the club, which was launched this fall. Teacher Kylie Rivera said they "made their dreams and visions come true" as they learned about elections, public speaking, proposals, and fundraising.
"We are raising money for a new soccer goal," said Duvall. "Right now we just have trees with caution tape in between."
On Nov. 5, the FMES Student Council presented to the district's leaders and principals during a monthly meeting.
Students explained that their work launching the Council aligns with the district's Portrait of a Graduate competencies. As Courageous Leaders, fifth graders encourage younger students to be leaders in their regular school-day lives. As Empathetic Collaborators, they led a project called Penny Wars and raised over $1,000. As Confident Communicators, they manage a website, share announcements, speak at assemblies, give out "Golden Mustang" student awards, and lead birthday cheers. Lucht said she is working to start a Newspaper Club for students to write stories about the school.
"Our dream is to get them involved in the community," said Rivera. "We want to take them on a field trip to watch our local government in action and see adult leaders doing the work."
FMES Assistant Principal Jim Dusman had praise for Rivera for her work in supporting the students. "She has done an incredible job with establishing a Student Council and planning school-wide activities that have been hugely successful."