“Now that is student leadership,” he said, applauding the fairly large group of students who had helped us consider more deeply the history of hip hop—through video, background facts and finally a stirring performance by students.

I knew what he meant. I felt the same way at the finals of our recent dodgeball extravaganza, during our recent discussions as a community about creating a gender-neutral setting for students, and when I read a student’s email this morning informing us about a probable hike in the cost of MBTA passes for young people.

One premise of being a progressive school is our focus on learning about how to participate in the democratic process and understanding matters of social justice. I can give many examples of how and when this happens here. It is powerful—and not always easy. Part of what Marvin referred to last week was the time, devotion and effort that it takes to accomplish effective leadership—often a focus that goes beyond academic classes and homework. These students had succeeded, as many others do day after day.

Last week ended for me with an impromptu interview from a student in our journalism class. She was curious about the ways in which we chronicle and record the changes in our Student Handbook (made mostly through Town Meeting warrants initiated by Advisory Board, another group of student leaders). I was moved to ruminate about the powerful process that results in these changes and how our Handbook is a record of community leadership and thoughtfulness.

I have noticed in the past few years how our students acknowledge and understand the importance of their role within our community, often expressed out loud in discussions; with something like: “Other students in other schools do not have the privilege of leading in this way; let’s make sure we use it wisely.”

It’s only the real deal because we continually work on it—my thanks to all students and teachers who do that.

________________________________________________________________
Pocket Change is a web diary written by Jane Moulding, head of school.