Student Advisory Groups at Thompson School District
Providing students with a place to share their thoughts is something Thompson School District prioritizes
every day. One way this is done is through our three student advisory groups who meet with TSD
leadership multiple times throughout the school year.
Purpose of Student Advisory Groups
The groups, one each made up of elementary, middle and high school students, meet with key leaders
and decision-makers within the district to help provide perspective and ideas for some of our most
pressing opportunities. The purpose is to provide students with a venue and platform to provide
perspective, opinions, and feedback around celebrations and opportunities across our district.
Meetings with District Leadership
Each of the advisory meetings is designed to offer energizing conversations and thoughtful dialogue with
student leaders across the district. According to Superintendent Dr. Marc Schaffer, the groups provide
beneficial information to help guide our district in various areas.
Students as Primary Customers
“All too often in education, we talk about kids and we talk around kids, but we do not always take the
opportunity to talk with kids. As our primary customers, it is incumbent on us as leaders to take the
time to listen, reflect and even act upon the insight and suggestions that students make in order to
create better and more impactful learning environments,” Dr. Schaffer explains.
Composition of Student Advisory Groups
The groups, which meet varying numbers of times during the year depending on the school level (older
students meet more frequently than younger students), are made up of students chosen by their
respective schools, including the charter schools. Each TSD high school and middle school has one
representative at each grade level. The elementary schools are each represented by two fifth-grade
students.
Recent Meeting with TSD Leaders
The groups recently met with TSD leaders at the district’s administration building to take part in a
variety of activities and provide valuable input.
Value of Student Input
“Our students have brilliant insight into their needs … we just need to take the time to listen,” Dr.
Schaffer says.
