Pinellas County Schools (PCS) Superintendent Kevin Hendrick realizes there is much to learn from listening to students; he also understands they are the next generation of local leaders.
PCS launched its first-ever Student Leadership Summit at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg this week. Over 300 4th and 5th graders from 78 elementary schools participated in the two-day event, along with parent chaperones and teachers.
The summit’s goal is twofold: Hendrick and other district leaders listened to and learned from a diverse group of students, and the children participated in activities that teach them team building and leadership skills.
Hendrick told the Catalyst that PCS has offered “tremendous experiences” for decades. However, only a few students from each school could participate. He said that makes for a good photo opportunity or news story but does not create lasting change.
“So, we wanted to create something impactful beyond today,” said Hendrick. “We want these student leaders to go back to their schools and recreate the sessions.”
Hendrick became superintendent last May and held a series of community “Listen and Learn” sessions from July through September. About a thousand adults participated, but a student in the PCS journalism program asked, “what about kids?” Read more
