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Indian Springs Elementary Student Experiences Being Principal for a Day
February 14, 2023 -- A new principal took the lead recently at Indian Springs Elementary, carrying a walkie, stickers, clipboard, whistle, and an agenda for a busy day ahead.
He visited classrooms, made announcements, and even presented his ideas to school leadership, excited to take on the role – at least for that day.
Barrett Lloyd, a fourth grader at Indian Springs Elementary, enjoyed the opportunity to get a small glimpse of what it would be like to be principal for a full day. He also presented some of his ideas to school leadership and learned more about school budgets. However, his favorite part of the job was visiting classrooms.
“I have loved going around the whole school and seeing these kids doing great stuff,” Lloyd said. “The teachers are amazing. I love complimenting the teachers and seeing what their tactics are to help kids learn.”
Indian Springs Elementary School Principal Alissa Horstman came up with the idea to get more students involved in the school and give them a chance to express ideas.
“We had noticed in our Panorama data that kids felt they needed more of a voice in the big picture,” she said. “It was powerful data. One of my big goals is getting kids to have more of a voice.”
Horstman also started the VOICES committee this year. Ten fourth and fifth graders applied and were chosen for the committee this year to get more students involved.
The committee meets every other week during lunch and comes up with ideas they would like to see in their school. For example, recently, students have worked with the PTA to decide how they would like PTA money spent on their playground. After brainstorming ideas with peers, the VOICES committee members will determine realistic plans to present their ideas to the PTA.
“Having more kid voices is important and is something I’m trying to bolster,” Horstman said. “The VOICES group is really helpful along with having a Principal for the Day. I felt like I could learn from the kids as much as they could learn from me.”
Students have also led the way in other areas. As another example, Horstman said that thanks to student input, the school switched from having yoga to Calm Classroom, a 3-minute mindfulness and breathing exercise. Committee members are also working to decide on the school’s new t-shirt design.
“I think about the Portrait of a Graduate and giving kids the skills they need to be successful,” Horstman said. “We want to help bolster their communication skills and want their creativity to come out. We are also having them use their critical thinking skills too. At the elementary level, we can get used to handing them things instead of getting their input back. That was the big reason for the VOICES project.”
“As for the principal for a day, I will do this at least once a year,” Horstman added. “This is a new tradition at Indian Springs Elementary.”