Student Voice Ambassador of the Month

Lihikai Elementary School continues to shine as a Student Voice School of Action. This year they are bringing the 8 Conditions to life in the classroom through monthly staff development sessions, providing teachers with engaging lessons and activities, and via a Student Voice Ambassador of the Month program. This new focus on recognizing Student Voice Ambassadors is providing students with a sense of ownership over the 8 Conditions and highlighting their actions to cultivate Self Worth, meaningfully Engage in learning, and develop their Purpose in school and beyond. Classes are encouraged to have students nominate their peers each month, stating a specific reason or example for the recognition. Teachers provide instruction on the specific Condition that will be spotlighted in the upcoming month. Recipients are formally recognized at a monthly assembly where they receive a certificate detailing the specific reason for their recognition, as well as an exclusive Student Voice Conditions sticker. The most powerful aspect of this new recognition system is the specific connections being made between student behavior and the 8 Conditions. Keep up the amazing work Lihikai!

Waihee Elementary Warrior Buddy Program

At Waihee Elementary, we believe that every student deserves to feel seen, supported, and valued. Our Warrior Buddy Program pairs students who may need a little extra support with a caring adult on campus. Each “Warrior Buddy” becomes a trusted mentor for the school year, meeting with their student regularly for check-ins — whether it’s sharing lunch, playing games, talking story, or just spending time together.

Counselors and teachers help identify students who could benefit from this added layer of support. Through these positive relationships, the Warrior Buddy Program helps strengthen our school community and ensures that every student knows they have someone in their corner.

-Taylissa Lehano, School Counselor

AAT Student Voice Conference 2025

Students at Rivers Academy, part of the Aspirations Academies Trust, recently organized a Student Voice Conference. During the event, students from each participating school delivered presentations highlighting achievements they were particularly proud of. Following these presentations, the group took part in a discussion about the purpose of school, with a focus on understanding why many students struggle to find meaning in their education. The conference concluded with an analysis of the survey results, offering valuable insights into students' perspectives and experiences. You can view the presentations here.

The Woodside Way and Aloha Spirit

Baldwin High School in Maui recently sent a team of educators to visit Woodside High School in California to continue their learning about Student Voice & Aspirations implementation in the high school setting. The Baldwin team left with a clear understanding of how Student Voice and the 8 Conditions are woven into the culture and community, or what is called "The Woodside Way." The team at Woodside shared that the visit was mutually beneficial as they experienced the collaborative Aloha Spirit of the Baldwin team and had the opportunity to reflect on their practice as they shared their journey with others. This experience was truly enriching for both schools, as everyone benefits from the collaboration that ensues when schools can meet and learn with educators from other locations who are working towards the shared goals of amplifying Student Voice and supporting all students in reaching their Aspirations.

Make Learning Irresistible

Partnerships for Authentic Learning and Leadership created a short video of their Summer Institute 2023 held earlier this year. The focus of this conference was Make Learning Irresistible; check out this link to see how they did!

Student Voice Case Study Guardian Angels Catholic Primary School

The August issue of ReConnectEd includes an article written by Danielle Carter, Principal of Guardian Angels Catholic Primary School. Danielle discusses the systems, processes and structure the school uses to ensure ‘Voice’ is a way of operation at the school. You can read the article here.

Principal Center Radio

What does it mean to design a learning environment? How do you build relationships with and among your students? Listen as Dr. Lisa Lande discusses Engagement by Design: Creating Learning Environments Where Students Thrive with Dr. Justin Baeder on Principal Center Radio.

Kansas Technical Assistance Systems Network

In partnership with the Kansas Technical Assistance Systems Network (TASN) the Quaglia Institute has been working with an amazing group of educators from across the state in a Learning Community focused on amplifying Student Voice & Aspirations. The most recent session was focused on celebrating the power of voice by developing greater partnerships and purpose. Looking forward to continuing this learning journey in Kansas next year!

Students Analyze Student Voice Data

All 16 of the Aspirations Academies Trust schools in England have taken the Student Voice survey and students are now digging into the data. At a recent student council meeting session the students analyzed the results and identified the two statements they were most concerned about. 

Ask The Students - Dr. Lisa Lande

In this GameChangersPC podcast QISVA's Dr. Lisa Lande shares her aspiration that every classroom in every school is one that she would want her own three children to learn in. Lisa has dedicated her professional endeavors to advocating for teachers and students around the globe.

Henry County Schools: Alliance of Teacher Leaders

The 2022 Alliance of Teacher Leaders (ATL) project wrapped up in Atlanta for the year with a graduation ceremony at which this video was shown. The theme for the video is "How has participation in the Alliance of Teacher Leaders made an impact on your professional practice?"