HUNTINGDON, Tenn. — A group of Huntingdon Middle School house leaders took over Wednesday’s school board meeting to share what they learned on a recent leadership trip to the Ron Clark Academy (RCA) in Atlanta. This is the third year the school has sent students to the program.
The group of seventh and eighth grade house leaders said the trip reinforced lessons they’re now trying to spread through HMS’s house system.
“Leadership means helping others do their best, even when no one is watching, and using your voice and actions to make your team, house, and school better,” one student said.
While in Atlanta, students worked on public speaking, teamwork, and school culture.
“We mastered techniques like hand gesturing, eye contact, and projecting your voice,” they told board members.
Students spoke about a confidence-building exercise the group took part in.
“In RCA, all kids would stand up to answer and show confidence,” one student said. “I believe confidence is key because it really shows your voice and that you care about the subject.”
The students said their focus going forward is getting more adults, not just students, invested in the house system.
“Our ultimate vision is complete staff investment for every adult,” one student said, adding the group also wants to expand community service projects tied to the houses.
Director of Schools Dr. Jonathan Kee asked the students what stood out most from the trip and praised them for stepping outside their comfort zones.
“When we have students that willing to step outside their comfort zone and just stand up and lead, that’s hard, and I know it is,” Kee said. “But that’s why we send you guys to these things… I’m extremely proud of you guys just for being willing to take chances and take risks. That’s how you’re going to grow.”
Kee said the trip will have a ripple effect throughout the entire middle school.
“We sent 20 students to this trip, right? But here’s the thing, more kids are impacted by this trip than 20 kids because y’all brought it back here,” he said.
Board Chair Dr. Lee Carter echoed that sentiment.
“Y’all are accomplishing exactly what we’re looking for,” Carter told the students.
Kee then asked the students to name three ways the house system has made them, or the school, better.
One student pointed to stronger relationships across grade levels.
“There are better grade-to-grade relationships,” the student said. “Say I see one of the students in my house, I’ll see them go down the hall… it builds relationships.”
Another credited the program with helping shy students come out of their shell. “I truly believe that it has helped not only me but other kids really get out of their shell and talk to adults,” the student said.
A third framed it as a long-term investment. “It also leaves a foundation for the rest of your life,” the student said. “When you get in high school, you’re only going to be building more of a foundation… you’re just going to be better off because you’ve been influenced by a young age to do this exercise.”
“Great job. Phenomenal,” Kee said.
More coverage of Huntingdon Special School District’s Board of Education Meeting on Wednesday, October 21 can be found here: https://carrollobserver.com/huntingdon-school-staff-save-on-airmedcare-payroll-deduction/
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