Last February, Leadership adviser Melissa Perino and her students were invited to a training hosted by Jostens, where they were inspired by speaker Mike Smith to start a new class called Renaissance Leadership, which is offered fourth period this year.
Perino clarifies the difference between the two classes, saying, “The focus for Leadership is on school culture, meaning what the members of our school community are doing. Leadership also has the more political [and business] component to it, meaning student government, running GSC meetings, [and] running the dances and rallies. [The focus for Renaissance] is working on [school climate], meaning working on how the students … staff, and faculty and the members of our Aragon community feel about being part of the Aragon community.
Yet despite their differences, both classes still operate under the same overarching idea. “It’s still Leadership,” says Perino. “The focus is just a little bit different, but you’re still expected to create community and create school spirit and pride.”
The activities of Renaissance include recognizing community members for their hard work through perk cards, which are intended to foster an encouraging environment. One thing in particular Renaissance will try to do this year is recognize birthdays. Senior Leadership and Renaissance student Vivian Ngo says, “We are planning on doing little birthday surprises, singing happy birthday, and giving notes from students to teachers to make them feel more loved.”
The application for both classes was the same. Perino says, “On the back of the application, we … asked for students to identify their characteristics, strengths, and interests and they were placed in the class based on what they told us.”
Perino concludes, “The Renaissance class makes everyone feel connected to the school and feel like they’re appreciated. When you feel appreciated, you’re more willing to continue the great work that you’re doing. And so the Renaissance class is the turning point—it’s the change that you see. In the next few years, you will be seeing major changes happening in our school culture and our school climate here.”
