GCPS Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council

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    Student speaking at SSAC meeting

    "Our Student Advisory Council is a priceless resource as we make decisions that impact students across our county,” Superintendent Dr. Watts said. “I am so excited to get to know the students on our council this year, to listen and learn from them as they share their perspectives and help us make the best possible decisions for all students in GCPS. Elevating student voice is central to implementing our strategic plan. When we do this well, we should see increased student and family engagement, enhanced student-adult communication, and increased trust between students and educators.”

    Dr. Watts started the (GCPS) Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council in 2022, just months after being named Superintendent in July 2021.

Announcements

  • Superintendent Dr. Calvin J. Watts selects 2023-24 Student Advisory Council Members

    Gwinnett County Public Schools ( Superintendent Dr. Calvin J. Watts has selected 50 high school and 51 middle school students to serve on his 2023-24 Student Advisory Council. Throughout the year, these students will meet with Dr. Watts to voice their ideas, share suggestions for improving our schools and our district, act as thought partners as they connect with fellow students, and build their leadership capacity alongside students from across the school district.

     “I am so excited to get to know the students on our council this year, to listen and learn from them as they share their perspectives and help us make the best possible decisions for all students in GCPS,” Superintendent Dr. Watts said. “Elevating student voice is central to implementing our strategic plan, and we know when we do this well, we should see increased student and family engagement, enhanced student-adult communication, and increased trust between students and educators. These are critical ingredients to improving educational outcomes for each and every student.”

    student speaking on microphone and Dr. Watts listeningThis year, 400 applications were completed and scored by a diverse team of district office staff and leaders. Due to the overwhelming interest in participating in the 2023-24 Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SSAC) this year, GCPS has offered alternate positions to 81 middle and high school students. These SSAC Alternates will be called upon if a member from their school or cluster can no longer attend SSAC meetings. SSAC Alternates will also be called upon for other opportunities throughout the school year to elevate student voice through committees, work groups, surveys, and other opportunities as they arise.

    “We are thrilled to have such interest in this council again this year, but more importantly, we are proud that our council represents the students across our district,” Chief Engagement Officer Melissa Laramie said. “I am also excited about the changes we are implementing to ensure our meetings are relevant, engaging, and impactful on our community. These changes came from the Student Advisory Council last year, so it is exciting to see the impact their leadership will have on this council.”

    Demographic Overview of 2023-2024 Student Advisory Council Members

    • 51 middle schools, high schools, and specialty schools are represented.
    • 53% are Free or Reduced meal eligible.
    • 30% are male.
    • 59% are in the gifted program.
    • 23% are Asian/Pacific Islander, 39% are African American, 25% are Hispanic, 12% are White, 2% are Two or more races.

    Dr. Watts sought students for this year’s council who will express views and opinions honestly, openly, constructively, and respectfully; who will work collaboratively with others; and who have a willingness to offer suggestions, innovative solutions, and their input on areas for improvement in a wide range of topics facing our schools.

    Congratulations to the 2023-24 SSAC Members! 
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  • Interested in joining the 2023-24 Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council?

    Gwinnett County Public Schools Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SSAC) is a unique opportunity for middle and high school students to share their feedback, school experiences, and perspectives on various issues affecting students, schools, and communities with Superintendent Dr. Calvin J. Watts.

    Through the council, students are able to voice their ideas, share suggestions for improving our schools and our district, act as thought partners as they connect with fellow students, and build their leadership capacity alongside students with whom they may not otherwise work alongside.

    Interested in Applying for the 2023-24 SSAC? The application for the 2023-24 SSAC will be available in the Student Portal from August 9-27, 2023. The application includes questions about you and your ideas for improving the school experience for all students, and how we can collectively address challenges facing our students and schools. In addition, the application outlines the expectations of those wishing to serve. Two students from each school will be selected based on their completed applications, and alternate members from each school will also be identified.

    Superintendent's Student Advisory Council Promo from GCPS TV on Vimeo.

     

    Students interested in serving on the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council should be prepared to attend two-hour meetings on four Saturdays during the 2023–24 school year. The 2023-24 meeting dates are:

    • September 9, 2023 Middle School SSAC 8:30–10:30 a.m.High School SSAC 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
    • November 11, 2023 Middle School SSAC 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.High School SSAC 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
    • February 10, 2024 Middle School SSAC 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.High School SSAC 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
    • May 11, 2024 Middle School SSAC 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.High School SSAC 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

    All meetings will take place in the QPLA Lecture Hall in Room 3.101 at the Instructional Support Center, located at 437 Old Peachtree Road NW in Suwanee.

    Questions? Please email: Melissa.Laramie@gcpsk12.org
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  • Empowering Student Voice in GCPS - 2023 Student Voice Summit 

    On Saturday, April 15, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council will be hosting a Student Voice Summit, “Empowering Student Voice in GCPS.”

    The Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council is inviting GCPS middle and high school students to come to the Student Summit to fuel the student voice movement in GCPS. Members of the advisory council have co-designed an agenda to meet the needs students currently face in our county and to empower them to use their voice to impact the culture within their schools positively.

    Students will have the opportunity to unpack their shared educational experiences through a listening session with our Superintendent, Dr. Calvin J. Watts, hear from celebrated national keynote speakers on two important topics chosen by the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, and connect with local school and county supports to help them succeed academically, socially, and behaviorally in their educational career.

    The Student Voice Summit will be hosted at Sugar Hill Church in Sugar Hill. Parents and caregivers are invited to attend; transportation is available for students. There is no charge to attend; space is limited. Registration closes on March 31 for those wanting to attend in person. A virtual option is available for those that choose, or if all seats reach capacity, virtual registration closes on April 7.  

    Students - Register today at https://bit.ly/StudentVoiceSummit2023 .
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