Students from grades 4, 7, and 11 were selected to be members of this year’s Inver Grove Heights Schools Student Advisory Council. Members meet with the superintendent to provide a student perspective on topics related to the school day. Students also learn leadership skills that they bring back to their schools. 

At their first meeting, students visited the ISD 199 District Office to meet with Superintendent Dave Bernhardson. They learned about their role as council members and did introductions to get more comfortable working together across grade levels. Students also learned about the 199 Way, which guides the actions of ISD 199 teachers and staff. The 199 Way emphasizes the importance of:

• Belonging - Making students feel welcome, known, included, supported, and connected
• Relationships - Being genuine and vulnerable in communication and interactions
• Engagement - Creating the condition for students to be enthusiastic learners and highly involved in school

After learning about the 199 Way and getting more information about the district’s goals, students brainstormed what belonging, positive relationships, and engagement should look, sound, and feel like. Students wrote about seeing smiles, hearing laughter and noise, and feeling like they can be themselves when discussing each tenant of the 199 Way. Their ideas will be shared with teachers and staff to further improve the school experience for all students. 

Students ended their meeting with a tour of the district office. They learned about all of the departments that support the district and what they do. 

Students will meet two more times during the school year to learn about district initiatives and share their perspectives on them.