There are a lot of fun activities and memories down on west campus. But, sometimes upper grades forget about their time as a sixth or seventh grader. So I thought I’d inform you of what is happening down here and the people behind it.
Earlier this year back in September, the new sixth grade class was offered the opportunity to run for student council and help organize events for the division. Six people ran, with one dropping out making it five people who ran. This was a shock to the teacher who founded the council, Dr. Massaro, as with the year before, around 60 wanted to run.
I personally suspect this to be because of a difference in passion in the grades. With there being much more interest within the class of ’30 vs the class of ’31, which is to be expected with different student bodies, this was simply just an extreme case.
The process to running is simple, you first submit an application with your name, family head, why you want to run, along with a few questions and a letter of recommendation from a teacher. After being reviewed by Dr. Massaro and Mr. Dineen, and being approved to run, you start making posters and preparing a speech which you will present to the grade! Soon afterwards voting will begin, with the top six joining the council.
Since only five people ran in the sixth grade, everyone was allowed to join. This caused some confusion among the grade with some people wanting to have it be harder than that, and with most not caring. I also should note how the sixth grade decides who is in their part of the council at the start of the year. For the upcoming 25-26 school year, another election will occur at the end of this year to decide for the upcoming seventh grade and eighth grade classes.
It’s actually quite fun in the council! I’m glad to be representing my division in events. We meet monthly to discuss future events and plans. Throughout this school year, we have hosted a holiday gift card drive, a 6/7 swim movie night in the natatorium, a cash drive towards the LA fires, a game night in the library, and the sixth grade dance night. There will also be the seventh grade dance in May, and several unannounced events coming up.
The history of the council is complex with it having been revived a couple of years ago. Back before the pandemic the 6/7 council was discontinued due to the teacher who sponsored the club retiring. Last year Dr. Massaro heard of the discontinuation of the council, and was motivated to revive it so that the 6/7 division could have a voice apart from the teachers running it.
It makes me happy to showcase what the 6/7 is doing, as we’re kind of forgotten about. I hope this can help with showing that.