Raider's Digest
Council gives students a voiceFriday, March 02, 2012 By Destiny Manning
PYAC- Students voice Because “adults do not have all the answers,” one of Principal Yassmin Lee’s first acts at Southwest was to create her Youth Advisory Council. Now in its third year, the group incorporates equally the student, parent, community and educators’ voices to hold up the school, Mrs. Lee says. The council was created primarily for seniors, but this year the organization opened its doors to other grade levels. Each year, the students of PYAC seem to focus on a particular concern; this year the first meeting was about the dress code. Students’ comments were taken to a committee meeting, where the dress code was readdressed. Mrs. Lee says, “I have to listen and make sure that I incorporate what students want as well as their parents want, and the teachers’ solidarity of how things are going to be.” PYAC is not one-sided, she says. “I listen for the meaning of everyone’s thoughts and try to understand the students’ point of view, as I being a parent and a former teacher, know their point of views.” Co-sponsor with Mrs. Lee is intervention specialist Mrs. Pat Dunlop. According to Mrs. Lee, “It wouldn’t happen without her.” Mrs. Dunlop aids PYAC in running smoothly and staying connected, Mrs. Lee says. According to Mrs. Dunlop, “PYAC is about empowering the students, the voice of the Southwest, with their input on the policies and changes; that is why this organization is important to Mrs. Lee.” PYAC is pushing students to take the leadership role and action of commitment, not just a “lip service,” Mrs. Dunlop says. She also reiterates that PYAC encourages more of the seniors’ involvement because they have more experience and knowledge. “The first meeting went really well,” Dunlop says. “The students were open and honest, while the adults were receptive. Hopefully the next meeting will be better for a more definite direction of what the students hope to achieve.” |