The beginning of this school year saw the introduction of many new teachers and classes, one of the largest changes involving the appointment of a new Leadership adviser after Biology teacher Catherine Williamson’s retirement. English teacher Melissa Perino now teaches the Leadership class.
Perino says, “I’m pretty excitable and ready to go, so that may be a change from the past. But really, I’m just trying to keep up with all [the students’] ideas. Most of the newer stuff has come from the kids after the Leadership camp.”
Perino immediately started the transition process at the end of the last school year, and has already begun to open up Leadership to her style. Perino comments, “We’re trying to make everything a lot more inclusive and accessible.”
Traver agrees, saying, “Leadership is all about suggestions, so really, everyone is a part of leadership.”
One of Leadership’s many new ideas is the implementation of live announcements each week in order to facilitate interaction between Leadership and the rest of the student body. Leadership students will be assigned classrooms for the year, and on Tuesdays during fifth period they will read out announcements to the students in their assigned classrooms.
This change is expected to offer Leadership a chance to better contact the student body, giving the students an opportunity to get news and information and offering Leadership direct feedback.
Perino hopes to hear from students after the announcements have been read, saying, “We’re really hoping to get feedback from all 1441 students on campus.”
Additionally, the new live announcements will be accompanied by video announcements, which will be implemented towards the end of the semester. These announcements are unique in that they will offer more in-depth coverage of what’s happening on campus, highlighting clubs, sports, and other activities. Segments will be designed to show off what is currently going on at Aragon in the hopes that they will inspire students to become more involved in these activities.
Perino says, “We’re really trying to reach everyone, not just a select group of spirited kids.”
To promote spirit and inclusivity, Leadership is also increasing the frequency of lunchtime activities this year. Rallies will be held once every two weeks, and music will be regularly played at lunch in center court two times per week.
Leadership students are begining to get a sense of Perino’s management style. Senior and Head Dance Commissioner Gilliana Lau says, “Mrs. Perino is very proactive.”
The students hope to use this change as an opportunity to improve school spirit and offer new activities such as Welcome Week. Rally commissioner and senior David Traver says, “She’s doing a crazy good job; she’s really ready and willing to change.”
Another important change pertains to the Grand Student Council (GSC) meetings. Rather than being held during fifth period, which required students to obtain permission from their teacher and miss class time, GSC meetings will take place on Wednesdays during lunch.
This schedule change is intended to promote inclusivity and allow students to voice their opinions without sacrificing their class time. Additionally, the GSC will now have representatives from each club in order to better embodying the student body.
Looking towards the future, Leadership is currently in the process of planning a Halloween Carnival. Though booths will be provided for clubs as an opportunity for fundraising and advertising, the main highlight of the evening will be a free movie showing. Leadership hopes that by making it free, the event will be open to any student who is interested. Perino adds, “We’re making sure that everyone can participate in the activities so the entire campus feels included.”
Perino was chosen through an application process once Williamson announced her retirement. Teachers from around the district applied and were interviewed for the position. Vice Principal Jim Coe says, “We had interviews, and based upon the committee’s recommendations we decided to put Ms. Perino in charge. Melissa is able to bring a good understanding and dedication to the Aragon culture.”
Perino says, “I’ve been in student government through middle school all the way up to college so I’ve always had an interest in stuff like this.”
Lau adds, “I’m excited for this new change that I think the Leadership class and the rest of the school will benefit from. Definitely keep an eye out for a more involved Leadership class.”
