Beyond the Blackboard

At Coconut Creek Elementary School, Christine Bazos doesn’t just teach first-graders about math, reading and social studies. She’s also a caretaker for the children growing up to become leaders.

“We try to teach them, even at a very young age, to be the best person they can be—to help others, to not think of themselves and to always think of others,” Bazos says.

Bazos and other teachers put this thinking into action with the student council. Made up of about 20 third-, fourth- and fifth-graders, the student council represents the student body and comes up with ideas for school activities.

“Our main purpose is to give them the experience that they need to become future leaders,” Bazos says. “It’s so refreshing to see that they’re so excited about these ideas. … It gives them the opportunity to represent the student body and be the liaison between students, teachers and the administrators.”

While teachers guide students to make sure their ideas are feasible and within student guidelines, they also give them a measure of independence. The council meets every other week and students run the meetings. Like formal business meetings, the secretary calls the meeting to order; the president welcomes everyone and the treasurer gives reports. Bazos gave the students special notebooks to keep track of their ideas to give them a sense of ownership.

Last semester, the council organized a harvest drive, including collecting canned goods, decorating collection boxes and making posters. They helped a teacher run a toy drive during the holidays and participated in Jeans for Troops, a national initiative to raise money for veterans. For February, they came up with ideas on how to celebrate Valentine’s Day and voted on where the money will go.

Though they are a large part of student activities, Bazos stresses to the students that they need to set a good example to others. Each student chose a character trait they want to be known for: responsible, loving, caring, friendly and others.

This combination of leadership training has shown in the students’ actions. One council member recently put forward an idea to show their appreciation to the cafeteria staff. Bazos suggested they expand upon the idea and give thank-you cards to other school groups, such as the custodial and office staffs.

“They take it seriously. … They’re already showing leadership qualities, and, hopefully, that’s going to help them set a baseline for their future,” Bazos says. “I see how they become more confident and how they’re able to express themselves.”

 

School Days
Want to share news? Email kmoros@lmgfl.com.

Coconut Creek High raised $1,000 for SOS Children’s Village at the Steps for SOS 5K run/walk.

Creek resident Nora Rupert, Broward school board representative for District 7, was appointed chair of the School Board of Broward County.

North Broward Preparatory School’s Sam Lewittes, Madelyn Wilson and Madison McEwen won the 2017 Congressional App Challenge for Florida’s 22nd Congressional District. U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch congratulated the students for designing the winning app, called Get Involved.

You May Also Like
Find Your Circle Wherever You Land With the Les Amis App

Loosely translated from French as “Hey, Friends,” the app was designed to make meeting like-minded women in real life feel natural, not awkward.

Read More
Women on Top

These ladies are proof positive that fabulous is found at any age when you set your priorities and make yourself one of them.

Read More
Rooms with a Point of View

9 South Florida interior designers share the spaces that define their signature style.   

Read More
La Vie en Rose: Actor, Singer, Songwriter – the List Goes On…

Tommi Rose defines versatility, and it all started right here in Fort Lauderdale.  

Read More
Other Posts
Summer Staycation Series: Hawk’s Cay Is Inviting in Every Way

About a two-hour drive south from Fort Lauderdale, the sprawling resort is the perfect place to take a break from the everyday.

Read More
Pickleball Mania Hits New Heights With This Rooftop Court in Fort Lauderdale

The latest amenity is a response to pickleball being named the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. for four straight years.

Read More
Lady Baker Launches Restaurant as Pembroke Gardens Expands

The popular bakery will open LB Eatery & Wine by Paula Marsala, adding to its growing roster of new tenants.

Read More
Get Dad (or Hubby) in the Swing This Father’s Day

The latest lineup from Sunday Swagger includes more than 40 new polo shirt designs, plus new button-downs.

Read More