At Eisenhower High School, we have a Principal’s Advisory Committee that gives students a voice in shaping school policies, culture, and programs, while also taking on projects that benefit the school and the wider community.
Though, many students might not even be aware that we have a committee like this. Some students might not even be aware of the importance that a council brings to a school either.
Origins of Change
The committee first began when Principal Henriquez-Pulido, also known as H.P., first took on the role at Eisenhower. Her goal was one which seemed quiet, but prominent: bring students to the forefront of decision-making at Ike. She wanted real feedback about what the student experience was truly like, one that isn’t filtered through surveys or staff meetings.
“The thought behind it was to bring some students to the table that could tell me what the student experiences were like here,” H.P. said. “How are the facilities? How are the school culture and climate?”
Real Impact
The committee’s first big achievement was reshaping the school’s bathrooms, quite literally. Students identified problems with the facilities, & through discussions & planning with administration, renovations soon followed. The results? The remodeled restrooms that students use today stem directly from that feedback.
Last school year, the committee’s input grew toward classroom experiences. Members assisted in helping refine interactive strategies such as “think-pair-share,” which teachers now regularly use to build engagement in educational environments.
What About Now?
This year, the committee is expanding its reach beyond school walls. According to H.P., students are participating in a leadership development program through Chick-fil-A, where they’ll identify a community issue and design a service project around it.
“They’re going to find a problem that they recognize in our community and solve that one problem,” Principal H.P. said. Ideas have already ranged from hosting an Olympic-style event for students with special needs, to creating programs that unite Eisenhower with the local community.
The Principal’s Advisory Committee proves that when students speak, real change follows suit. Whether it’s improved classrooms, remodeled spaces, or new leadership projects, the committee embodies what school should be, a place where every voice can help shape the experience for others.
As Eisenhower continues to grow, so does the potential of this small but powerful group. The challenge now is awareness, helping every student realize that their perspective could be part of the next transformation.
