Fort Bend ISD Introduces New Student Leadership Program
Last updated: December 26, 2008

SUGAR LAND: Twenty-six Fort Bend ISD 11th grade students are learning to become community leaders through the FBISD Student Leadership Program, a new initiative introduced this school year. The leadership program will engage students in a series of six monthly seminars during the school year that will help them explore their personal roles in community leadership and service. The idea to create the program originated from FBISD Board Members under the leadership of President Sonal Bhuchar. “It is important for us to hear the concerns and feedback from our students, while giving them an opportunity to connect with people in leadership roles within our community, to see how the different aspects of education, government, business, healthcare and volunteerism work together to define a community.” said Bhuchar.

Board Members will attend and facilitate the student seminars on topics such as personal leadership skills, youth advocacy, service and volunteerism, local government in action, environmental awareness, and healthcare. “We came up with the idea and presented it to Superintendent Tim Jenney, who agreed that it would greatly benefit our students.

This was a special project I had hoped to see kick off, so that we can truly prepare our students for “A Global Tomorrow”, which is our FBISD mission and vision, added Bhuchar. She said the program has a twofold purpose: (1) to allow students from across the district to come together to focus on developing their leadership skills, and (2) to give the Board a mechanism to interact with students from across the district so that they can better understand student needs. This year, the FBISD board has also setup a legislative advocacy agenda to engage in dialogue with State legislators as they prepare to go into session in early 2009 as well as a variety of community engagement initiatives to connect with students, parents, employees and community.

The overall feeling among student participants is one of excitement and pride for being selected to participate in the first leadership class. Zack Raybourn, student representative from Elkins High School, expressed the sentiment of all the students. “I know without a doubt that this well-organized leadership program will provide us with every opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills we learn throughout our community. I am honored to be a part of this great initiative,” said Raybourn.

To participate in the program, students must be in good academic and behavioral standing; have an interest in developing their personal leadership skills; have obtained written permission of their parents and school principal; and be willing to accept and meet all of the attendance expectations before submitting an application. During their first monthly meeting in November, the students met at Clements High School and participated in a series of ROPES course activities, led by ROPES Course Facilitators Lynda Ruther and Jim Harton. The activities gave students the opportunity to get acquainted with each other, and to learn about their similar interests. FBISD Board Member, David Reitz, joined the students in the day-long activities as the program sponsor. “This is a great opportunity for students to get to know their peers from across the district,” Reitz said. “Outside of the program, they will cross paths with each other at some pointin time, whether at a district sporting event or later incollege. By participating in the leadership program, they are learning that life extends beyond their individual campuses and communities, and that friendships can be made through many avenues.”

At the conclusion of their first seminar, leadership students received their first assignment from Olwen Herron, FBISD Chief Accountability and Organizational Development Off icer. She distributed copies of the book, Strengths Finder, by Tom Roth to students and asked them to complete an online assessment from The Gallup Organization to discover their strengths.

The second meeting facilitated by Board member Bob Broxson,was hosted at City Hall in Sugar Land where the students heard from Sugar Land Mayor Jimmy Thompson, Missouri City Mayor Allen Owen, Commissioner James Patterson and the city managers to understand the role of municipal, school district and county governments, their budgets and strategic planning goals.

The program ended with a review of their individual Strength Finder results and how they would use them to work together. Betty Ann Williams, Program Facilitator and PALS/Teen Leadership teacher at Fort Settlement Middle School said “I am excited about this student leadership program and the tremendous opportunities it will afford our students,”said Williams.

“This is a fine group of students who are eager to learn and grow in their roles as citizens in our society. As juniors, they are approaching a pivotal point in their lives where their decisions and actions will make a difference in our world. I couldn’t be more proud to have a hand in preparing them for future success,” she said. The group will meet once each month through April 2009.

They will have the opportunity to witness a judicial court in session, hear from Truancy officers, hold mock trials, engage in conversations with business leaders, healthcare professionals, hospital executives and volunteer organization leadership. In May, the Board of Trustees will hold a special recognition ceremony for participants at its regular Business Meeting.