Student Leadership

Leadership

Good leaders demonstrate a range of qualities including commitment, compassion, empathy, respect for others, and love for learning. We help our students develop these qualities through character-building lessons, school-wide programs and official leadership opportunities. 

From writing campaign speeches to running the Council throughout the year, members of the student council develop critical leadership and communication skills. They learn how to talk with a variety of different people in a variety of settings. They learn to value diverse perspectives, lead with compassion, and function as a group effectively. And they learn how to take big ideas and distill them into actionable goals. Our students take ownership of the Council and are proud of the difference they can make for their school.

The Community Life program offers ways for students to take the lead in creating a strong Middle School community. It's a platform to both celebrate and improve student life with initiatives to promote belonging and understanding. Through Community Life, students develop the tools and vocabulary to understand their values, empower themselves and advocate for others. Past initiatives include Community Life Day for students to explore civility, equality, understanding others, and inclusivity, and creating a DEI survey and a kid-friendly collection of DEI resources for their peers.

A leadership opportunity for budding editors, writers and artists, The Admirals' Pen elective builds camaraderie and provides our students an authentic space to celebrate the many talents of their peers. Students in the class edit, format and publish an annual literary magazine and organize two coffeehouses. Class sessions include selected readings, journaling, and dynamic workshopping, as well as visits from guest speakers and acclaimed professionals including Severn parent and best-selling author Jeff Gunhus and young adult writer Ms. Kami Garcia.