IN West Jefferson Hills Fall 2019 | Page 50

Jefferson Hills Intermediate School CHRISTOPHER VERY, PRINCIPAL JHIS Student Ambassadors J efferson Hills Intermediate School recently implemented a new initiative, JHIS Student Ambassadors, which empowers students to take various leadership roles throughout the building. Under the guidance and leadership of our school counselor, Megan McKinley, and Tier 3 teacher, Lauren Korchok, our fifth grade students were all given the opportunity to apply and participate in this impactful new endeavor. Eager to take on additional responsibilities and leadership roles, the student response was overwhelming and what began as a pilot program last year has developed into a large scale, school-wide program. An orientation event, consisting of various team-building activities and training for upcoming student responsibilities was conducted over the summer months. It wasn’t long before the Ambassadors were put to work. Nearly 30 students assisted in the New Student Orientation, welcoming our newest families, serving as tour guides, and offering a familiar face for our newest students’ first day at our school. Other responsibilities that the Ambassador group will undertake this year will include: displaying daily inspirational messages/quotes in our school lobby, raising/lowering the American flag, anchoring the daily morning announcements, serving as peer buddies/mentors, assisting with peer academic support, and serving on our school’s “Green Team”. They will also serve an integral role in the continued implementation of our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (PBIS) and Social Emotional Learning curriculum (Second Step). On behalf of all of us at Jefferson Hills Intermediate School, THANK YOU to our Student Ambassador participants and staff leadership for bringing the vision to reality at JHIS! 48 WEST JEFFERSON HILLS