Elementary Students Talk Shop with Admin and Staff
By: Gabriela Angel & Mina Gonzalez
El Monte City School District’s (EMCSD) Superintendent Student Advisory Council met with several district administrators and staff to share their experiences, provide feedback, and discuss their concerns when attending school. The council, composed of two selected students from the highest grade levels of all 14 EMCSD schools, had the unique opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue with team members from nutrition services, instruction, after-school programming, student support, facilities, and more. “It allows us to talk about things that we want to improve and open up to people who can actually fix the things that we are concerned about,” said Yenelly, a 6th grader from Rio Vista.
Director of Nutritional Services Mrs. Jenny Lee, who was part of the meeting, shared, “For us to have meetings where all 14 schools are represented helps us get the most well-rounded input.” This interactive process allowed students to go beyond surface-level feedback and offer detailed insights into what works well and what needs improvement. Students commented on the quality, texture, and preparation of school lunches. Mrs. Lee added, “It is always an honor to speak with students about the work we’re doing; it helps us see if we are going in the right direction.”
This insightful opportunity allowed EMCSD departments to sit and listen while students led the conversation. The priority was providing a safe space for students to express their thoughts honestly and have them considered in decision-making. “I enjoyed this experience because it shows my voice is being heard by the district and shows that they are trying to improve, " said Aubri, an 8th grader at Columbia.
Dr. Rudy Torres, the Director of Instruction, recognized the importance and value of hearing from students, “Our students are at the heart of everything we do, and their perspectives are essential in shaping how we design and deliver instruction that is engaging, relevant, and impactful.” Acknowledging the power of student input, this was the first time district leads were brought in to collaborate with students directly to ensure a safe and healthy learning environment. “This reinforces the need to continue fostering interactive, student-driven learning environments where they can apply knowledge in meaningful ways,” explained Dr. Torres.
Overall, the Superintendent Student Council meeting was a valuable experience for both students and EMCSD. Mr. Ruben Quintana, Health Program Education Specialist, said, “I wish all school districts would do this. It says something about how this district cares to improve and truly wants to hear from their students.” EMCSD supports its students in any way possible and believes that amplifying their voices is integral for the community.
