YOUR STUDENT

STUDENT ELECTIONS WHAT TO DO?


RECIPE for Student Council SUCCESS


1) Be friendly - This could mean being friendly to your friends little sister or brother.  They remember that when it comes to voting.  Campaigning starts the moment your child enters the classroom and the playground.  If your child can assume the responsibilities of being kind all the time he/she is a shoe in. Seriously we need good people in the world not another set of Gossip Girls, or Jersey Shore Guido's Guidette's. 


2) Be Confident - work on speaking in front of others. Help them practice by ordering their food at a restaurant or during introductions to a friend.  Don't let others tear down their confidence.  Some will try.

3) Be Respectful - Don't let them boast about all their accomplishments.  Sure if someone ask let them shine on. But remember some tactful restraints not everyone is an A student or has the latest and greatest things.


4) Be FUN! - After everyone was loaded on to the bus my son shouted "VOTE TRENT for PRESIDENT" after a really great field trip.  He did this again in front of a class room of fellow students. This showed he was spontaneous with out breaking the rules.  It made the kids laugh and encouraged them to vote for him.  Most of all he wasn't shy and showed he's outgoing.


5) Write a GOOD speech - Help your child write a good speech.  Parent involvement is key.  Utilize your knowledge of school activities he/she likes, encourage school spirit and most of all let  them be FUNNY!  Help them to memorize their speech, project their voice, slow down and captivate their audience. If you're going to RAP, OWN IT!  I know its hard to get in front of people but HELLO they are running for a public office in their school.  They have to show they are not AFRAID to speak up.
Remember fellow students don't want to hear how great you are.  They want to know how you are going to help them and your school.  This could include working with the principal, student council and PTA.  Never promise anything you can't keep.


6) Create a GREAT poster -  Be creative, think beyond the normal. Use your computer, markers or pre-cutout letters.  Think of what is HIP at the moment like You Tube or a game/movie and theme your poster.  Include why your student will make a great President, Senator or Secretary work it into the theme.  Spend time on this and have fun.  Enjoy the process.  Don't whip something up last minute and think it's going to look great.  It rarely ever does.


7) Be Realistic - setting realistic expectations for you and your child.  Are they running for a position they really will be good at?  What are their reasons for running?  Are you pushing your kid into something they don't want to do?  What is their experience?  Will you put the time in?  Don't run for something if you're moving and will be gone the next year.  Prepare them to have a concession speech, to congratulate the winner and not make the elected official out to be the bad one for being elected.  The vote was heard they got elected to office. NO DRAMA allowed.

Advice on Loosing:


 Of course all of us want our child to win.  But that doesn't always happen.  It breaks our hearts to see theirs broken.  If your child looses the election have your prepared parent speech ready.   Focus on their achievements and other activities they can look forward too.  Such as the fall sports season, classes or hobbies they will now have more time to spend on. 

Now, my son is like the town mayor.  To his merit he is friendly to everyone and he does his best to include them all in everything.  This is a lesson to all...if you are in a clique, promote a clique or are just plain rude you will not be elected.  If you are bossy, or think you are above everyone you will not win.  Expand your horizons, get involved and get to know everyone in all grades to the best of your ability.

Warning!  Bragging rights....he has been elected as 4th grade Senator, 5th grade Senator and now will be the Student Council President for 6th grade.  Yes we are proud.  But the recipe to his success does not lie in bragging rights, or a popularity contest.  It's a tribute to his humbleness, his ability to be friendly and easy going while presenting his ideas to his peers.  The recipe includes parent support and guidance but most off all his character.

Here is his winning speech;

Good Morning enter school mascot.  I am student name your current 5^th grade and past 4^th grade Senator.  I’ve enjoyed representing my fellow classmates as their senators and now I ask to represent all enter mascot as next year’s student council president.

However, things I will not support are serving fried worms at lunch, triple homework week, or doing star gazers during the daytime But SERIOUSLY……..As your student council president I will work with enter principal name, student council and enter school organization  Parent Teacher Association to keep programs we love such as Art Masters, Imagination Machine, and Carnival. I will also look to plan fun new events like family “Arcade Game Night.” 

Your vote for me would help us to make enter school name the best school ever! A vote for me would make your voice heard and would mean your ideas used to help plan next year. I want the best for you and the chance to prove enter mascot rule!  Vote for me as your next president and you will guarantee that we will have the best year ever. Thank you for your support and consideration.

I am name, your next enter school mascot President.  

Theme your poster, spend time on it.