Recent student forums showed Liberty County Schools students feel safe and supported at their schools, and they also called for more activities and opportunities.
The students, chosen at random across the school system’s grade levels, were asked two questions as part of the second round of the superintendent’s student forums, held in February. Among their responses was they feel prepared for the upcoming Milestones tests, Assistant Superintendent Kellie Zeigler said.
Among the positive comments from elementary school students were that teachers are supportive and make learning exciting and teachers and principals keep them safe at school, Zeigler noted. Students also liked the schools’ interiors and how they relate to the schools’ themes and that there are military counselors for supporting children. Elementary schools students also enjoyed the academic competitions for reading, writing and math.
“They like the new upgrades at the schools,” Zeigler told board members.
Elementary school students also offered where the schools could improve, such as having students lead morning announcements, have more field trips to extend learning and providing more small group time for learning with classmates.
Middle school students taking part in the forum responded their teachers care about them and their learning, and make learning fun and engaging. They also liked the connections they have with teachers and that they always feel they have someone to talk to, and the students feel safe and secure in their schools.
Middle school students responded they enjoy the elective classes to extend their learning areas, and they spoke positively about the outside wellness breaks each day. They also said they believe the administrators, teachers and student have pride in their respective schools.
The middle schoolers surveyed also asked for less use of phones and electronics to cut down on distractions in class time and asked for the system to continue to add more engaging ways to learn. They also asked for more clubs, especially those with an academic focus, and more after school activities to be offered, aside from sports or band.
Students at the system’s two high schools spoke glowingly on teachers, administrators and the custodial staff. High schoolers said the teachers push them to be their best, the administrators are always for students and the custodial staff works hard and is determined to make sure the school is even better.
The high school students also gave a thumbs-up to the support to make the transition to high school and to counselors for ensuring students have what they need to graduate and assist with college planning.
The high schoolers also offered positive feedback on out-of-state field trips. They also recommended encourage incoming freshmen to start thinking about business classes and elective opportunities.
Included with their suggestions for improvement were letting parents know about deadlines and necessary paperwork, adding activities for freshmen and sophomores, the importance of the dress code, and providing CPR training within the health credit.
School board member Marcus Scott IV will hold his second annual town hall Thursday on the school system. It will be held at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church beginning at 6 p.m.