Edison Middle School: Student Voice as a Way of Being

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Student Voice & Aspirations is truly becoming a “way of being” at Edison Middle. The Aspirations Team continues to brilliantly expand this work schoolwide and has effectively connected their Quaglia work with their WASC Schoolwide Learner Outcomes, Social Emotional Learning goals, and other schoolwide initiatives. Click here to request permission to see the shared calendar and guiding document for how all these efforts are seamlessly connected and coordinated for the benefit of Edison staff and students. A few new members have joined the Aspirations Team, including two School Climate Advocates who have joined the staff this year. This team has done an excellent job of providing a significant number of new teachers with an orientation to Student Voice & Aspirations as an important part of the Edison school culture. Students truly serve as critical partners with staff and are very intentional about taking actions that support Student Voice & Aspirations. (See pictures below reflecting student leadership connecting actions to the 8 Conditions.)

In partnership with students and based on analysis of their Student Voice survey data, Edison has been specifically focused on reestablishing a sense of Belonging for all students as they transitioned back to campus. They are also leveraging Fun & Excitement to reengage students in the in-person learning environment. The following are a few of the actions taken at Edison this year:

Belonging Actions:

• Eagle Aspirations Advocate Program (EAAP). This is an intensive support opportunity for students who have been identified as at-promise and could benefit from an additional support system to adjust to, succeed in, and graduate from middle school. Click here to download an overview of EAAP.
• Scholar Dollars. Students receive Scholar Dollars for doing a great job on class work, campus clean up, demonstrating respect, etc. Students use their Scholar Dollars to buy snacks and supplies from a school store on Fridays.
• SOAR Awards. These certificates are given on a monthly basis to students who show improvement or excellence related to Schoolwide Learner Outcomes.
• Attendance Awards. To help make sure all students know their teachers care that they come to school, gift cards are awarded to students who show improvement or excellence with their attendance.
• Anti-Bullying Campaign. Various activities occur on a regular basis at Edison to encourage kindness and cultivate a sense of Belonging for all students.

Fun & Excitement Actions:

• Edison Student News. This is a fun way to keep students informed about what’s happening around the school and to encourage participation. Click here to view a sample of Edison Student News.
• Student Clubs. Effort is underway to review student clubs that were thriving pre-pandemic. Seven clubs are currently meeting with a goal of increasing participation and options in the spring.
• Monthly Fun Fridays are held during lunchtime and include music, raffles, and games.
• Spirit Weeks. These weeks provide additional opportunities for students to show their school spirit with door decorating, various dress up days, and other fun activities to celebrate the Edison school community.