Superintendent’s Community Builders Program develops with student input

By Tara Cavanaugh

Ann Arbor Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Patricia Green started a district-wide Community Builders Program last November, providing students leadership opportunities and three levels of peace education: peacekeeping, peace building and peace making skills.

At the program’s second meeting March 21 at Huron High School, student delegates from each elementary school shared their ideas about creating peaceful communities with attentive and excited members of the district administration. 

The students also voted on a flag to represent the problem, and will decide where to display it in their schools.

Because this is the first year of the Community Builders Program, district officials feel it is important that students voice their input in its development, said AAPS Deputy Superintendent Alesia Flye.

The young students also interacted with high school student volunteers, who shared their own leadership experiences in arts, academics and athletics.

At the third meeting this spring, the students will engage in more leadership building and will report on the ways they are incorporating peacekeeping activities in their school communities.

Related on the AAPS News:

• Community Builders Program strengthens learning communities, fosters student leadership