Finally, students displayed concern for burnout and for their personal mental health. During these vulnerable conversations, all three group leaders took notes and made comments that validated others’ emotions.

Shortly after, everybody regathered into the large group. There, each district leader echoed the main points that were made in their small groups. Students were assured that their input was heard through this process.

Before concluding the call, Nielsen presented one last task for students. She invited them to type one word in the chat feature that described the inaugural Share Your Stories Voice Meeting. Words such as “necessary” and “comforting” were pouring in. One student even submitted the word, “appreciated”. She illustrated that she appreciated having her voice heard by powerful adults. It is apparent that SWCS heard students’ stories in their meeting. However, how will district leaders utilize the new information they have received on Thursday? The Journal spoke with Nielsen prior to the event to investigate that wonder. She claimed, “The feedback received as part of the session will be summarized for our leaders. From there, leaders will use that information directly with staff…We have compiled the list [of students’ worries and struggles] and will be discussing with our district and school leaders to see which struggles and worries can be addressed. From there we will provide communication regarding any adjustments.”

Measures such as these that tend to students’ feedback can be taken “immediately” according to Nielsen. In fact, they have been! A school board meeting was held the evening that followed the Share Your Stories event. Nielsen assured The Journal that “some of the summary points were shared” to the school board on that night.

Despite a couple of technical difficulties that WebEx contributed to the event, the first Share Your Stories Voice Meeting was immensely rich. Nielsen was delighted in how everything unfolded. “I am very pleased with the first session and felt like the students were very engaged and spoke honestly. We appreciate that,” she stated.

Even with a victory, SWCS will proceed to strive to comprehend the student perspective. Nielsen foretelled,

From Page 1

“Like any new initiative in the district, it will take time for students to know that we value what they have to say. One – one hour session is not going to change things significantly, but if we continue to seek student voice in all that we do, that practice will grow and multiply and give value to what our students have to share about their school experience. When students see and know that we are working toward true change, that will affirm their belief in the power of their voice.”

The next opportunity for SWCS’s students to spark this “true change” will occur on January 21st, when the second Share Your Stories Voice Meeting is held. This gathering is entitled “Belonging in Your Community” to reflect the mental healthbased discussion expected to take place. Although the inaugural meeting had a solid turnout of 33 participants, Nielsen is urging that additional students attend in January. If readers of The Cottage Grove Journal know a student in ISD 833, they can encourage that child to look out for upcoming information regarding Share Your Stories. In addition, attendees are more than welcome to invite their friends.