As the first semester comes to a close, New Trier’s Student Alliance continues to work diligently on projects that have been in the works throughout the year.
One of SA’s toughest challenges this year was also their biggest success. After negotiating with the school cafeteria service, Student Alliance gave students and adviseries the ability to fundraise by selling brands like McDonalds, Chipotle, Jamba Juice, and to hold bake sales during lunch periods. According to SA, they are communicating and working regularly with Mr. Josh Wegner, the school’s food service director, to make these sales a regular occurrence.
Callie Walsh, Head of Student Allicance’s PR Committee, also reported the approval of several new clubs at New Trier. These include a Roller-Blading Club, Persian Club, Entrepreneurs Club, Feminist Club, New Trier Leadership Core, Do-it -for-Yourself Club, and Soul Kitchen. Moreover, they set up a luncheon with the heads of new clubs and current clubs at New Trier. At this luncheon, the club heads talked to Student Alliance about any troubles or questions they had with their clubs. Multiple members of Student Alliance said that some of the most common problems were that clubs had trouble getting the word out or increasing membership.
The iPad initiative has also received considerable attention from SA. Thanks to the group, there are now iPad chargers available to rent through the library, and Student Alliance has also consulted with New Trier’s Principal, Denise Hibbard, about the new iPad friendly furniture that she is planning to install. Ben Sommers, a member of Student Alliance, said, “We’re really excited about this new iPad project here. It’s providing kids with chargers all around the school, better connection, and a newly designed rotunda.”
Still, SA keeps its eyes on the future. Walsh said the group is working on installing new vending machines, as well as creating a period in the day where students are allowed to use the school pool for free swim. Student Alliance is also working on a solution to a common student complaint: no cell phone service in the basement.
After recently meeting with numerous department Chairs, SA is beginning the planning process for the next ETC day, scheduled for 2015. According to Walsh, they are also beginning to plan the annual Alternative Spring Break, which is an opportunity for students to work on a service trip during the weeklong vacation. This year’s destination Alliance is set for California.
Finally, Student Alliance created a PR committee. This group is focused on getting the word out to students and on soliciting students’ feedback. Now on Facebook and Twitter, the PR committee sends out an article every month or two to adviseries to keep them informed. Walsh said, “Our goal is and has always, to improve students experience at New Trier. We feel proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish this year, and are hoping that this semester, more students come to the advisory forums that are held monthly. These forums are really where the bridge between the students and the administration can be made.”
Student Alliance wants all students to be fairly represented. “We’re really hoping to get more student participation in what we do. I think that many students don’t realize that they can change the culture of New Trier. NT is a school that allows students the freedom to take control of their educational experience, and together we can do so.”