Elementary students across Grand Haven Area Public Schools are getting a new voice in shaping the rules and expectations of their schools through a districtwide Constitutional Convention initiative.
The process gives students an active role in creating expectations for both their classrooms and their school communities, building greater ownership in the kind of learning environment they help create together.
“We ask students about their hopes and dreams, and what it will take to accomplish those things,” said Mary Jane Evink, GHAPS Director of Instructional Services. “Then we involve students in making school rules. Each class sends a representative to the Constitutional Convention to finalize the school rules. We empower children this way.”
Students first work together to develop rules for their own classroom. Each class then selects a student delegate to attend a schoolwide Constitutional Convention. Delegates bring their classroom’s rules to the convention, compare ideas and common themes from across the school, and work together to develop a shared set of schoolwide rules.
At Peach Plains Elementary, Principal Jason Lawson leaned into the history behind the idea to make the experience especially memorable for students. Dressed as James Madison, known as the “Father of the Constitution,” Lawson welcomed student delegates to the convention and guided them through the process of reviewing the rules developed by their classmates. Students discussed the ideas each classroom brought forward, identified common ground, and helped determine the expectations they believe will allow everyone at Peach Plains to be successful.
The process also helps students make connections between those expectations and GHAPS’ new Learner Traits, which describe the qualities students are working to develop as successful learners.
“When students have a voice in creating their classroom and school rules, they can begin to see the connection between those expectations and the kind of learner they want to become,” said GHAPS K-4 Instructional Coach Chris Working. “It helps students understand that our expectations aren’t just a list of rules. They are there to help everyone learn, grow, and be successful.”
While each elementary school is putting its own spin on the Constitutional Convention, the purpose is shared across the district: giving students a meaningful voice in creating the expectations that will help them learn, grow, and succeed.
