Members of the Somers Intermediate School Student Government have had quite a busy year advocating for changes and improvements to their school community, raising awareness for issues like childhood cancer, and collecting donations to send to troops overseas.
Their list of undertakings is diverse, and students are proud of what they’ve accomplished this year. The 26 third, fourth, and fifth graders celebrated with an ice cream social this week.
For their school community, the student government approached Principal Liz Turner and Assistant Principal Linda Belger with ideas to bring back flexible seating in the classrooms, replace the basketball hoop on the playground, clean the trails in the back of SIS, and address the noise level issue in the school hallways with their peers. Additionally, the students advocated for new recess equipment and generated a list of ideas for indoor recess activities.
One area where they also focused their efforts was on school climate and inclusion. They held a Hanukkah Happiness Day and encouraged their classmates to wear blue to support those who celebrate the Jewish tradition of Hanukkah. Additionally, the SIS community held a Holiday Happiness Day before winter break and asked classmates to express the holiday they celebrate with clothing, hats, or specific colors.
On the philanthropic front, the student government spearheaded a Halloween Candy Drive and gathered 42 boxes of candy to send to troops overseas through United For Troops. In the winter, a Holiday Family Fundraiser Raffle of Apple Air Pods generated $923 and helped two Somers families in need. Students also organized a Used Book Sale, and they donated the $1,300 in proceeds to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and Team SEAS. SIS also supported St. Jude’s Math-a-thon and encouraged their peers to attend this math event at Somers High School in the spring. They collected coins to support Relay for Life and hope to donate nearly $740 for Gabby Sullivan’s Relay For Life team.
Student Government President, fifth-grader Matthew Ringer, said he was most proud of getting the new basketball hoop installed after spring break. “The kids were really excited about it,” he said. “We were able to get it done by communicating our needs to Mrs. Turner and Mrs. Belger.”
Vice President and fifth-grader Marco Pomponi said the best student government includes kids who are willing to work, and he has some advice for students who want to join.
“You need to be willing to work hard and take charge when needed,” Pomponi said.
(June 21, 2022)
