Eisenhower Junior High Student Council Creates a Sense of Belonging

The middle school years can be a challenging time for students as they start really discovering themselves and take on the hard work of the middle grades. For students at Eisenhower, Student Council serves as an opportunity to connect with other students, grow leadership skills, and have some fun. 

Eighth grade math teacher Julie Polasek and English Language Learners teacher Carol Neville are the sponsors of the group, which is focused on organizing events for the school and acts of service for the community. With a busy schedule of weekly meetings on Mondays after school in addition to planning everything from assembly activities and dances to ways to give back, the group is open to any student who wants to be a part of it as long as they can keep their grades up. 

“We want everyone to feel like they belong,” said Polasek. “This year we had 32 students participate and it really feels like a place where anybody can go and feel welcome and be accepted because we are creating a no judgement zone.”

Students who want extra leadership responsibilities can run for office for different positions and are charged with meeting a few extra times and have the opportunity to participate in the Illinois Association of Junior High Student Councils (IAJHSC) Summer Camp. There are even different committees for students to join for things like decorations for dances, concessions, or others. 

Fun events that the group is in charge of throughout the year include a Friday Night Live event in October that serves as a way for students to gather and spend some time together. They also help to plan assemblies and come up with games to increase audience participation and excitement and of course they get to plan the dances.

"I love seeing the kids excited because we give them independence and they really flourish once they get used to not having an adult to tell them exactly what to do,” said Neville. “Many of them have made friends with kids they wouldn't have met outside of Student Council and it’s a wonderful space.”

It’s not all fun and games though as part of the purpose of the group is to participate in service projects. They hosted a Penny War to raise funds for Cal’s Angels to raise a total of $506.89 and awareness for pediatric cancer. They partnered with the Darien Women’s Club, Lace Student Council, Indian Prairie Library, and City Hall for the Warm Hearts, Warm Feet Sock Drive. The group collected 1,004 pairs of socks to be donated to People's Resource Center, PADS, Darien Woman's Club for Mother’s Day Baskets, and a local women's shelter. They also created fleece tie blankets for children with cancer at Rush Cancer Center in Lisle and donated 26 handmade blankets.

“I do think they really just like hanging out with each other because they get some extra time, but they also get so excited about the service projects,” said Polasek.