Participating in student government helps teach young people the principles of effective, responsible leadership. That is why we encourage all students, beginning in the Lower School, to become involved in Student Council or to run for office.

The Lower School student council consists of a president, vice president, treasurer, secretary, historian, community relations officer and classroom representatives from second, third, fourth and fifth grade. Each year elections are held in October and February so that more students can run for office and participate in student government. The members of the student council meet on a weekly basis during their lunch period to discuss ideas for Lower School fund-raisers or to focus on community service projects that would be age-appropriate. The council leads the weekly assemblies in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and makes announcements to the student body about upcoming events.

In Middle School, the responsibilities of leadership are increased as students help plan events, such as Middle School Skate Night, dances and fundraisers. Student council members assist with admission events and often preside at assemblies and other student functions. The focus is on leadership training with a heavy emphasis on problem solving at the weekly lunchtime meetings. Annual elections are held in the spring for president, vice president and four representatives from each class (grades 6-8).

The Upper School student council – also with officers and grade-level reps elected each year – plans and oversees school and grade-level events, including weekly assemblies, Spirit Week and the Buckley Student Leadership Conference (www.buckleyla.org/bslc). They also work to build school spirit and involvement. Upper School representatives and the executive board are encouraged to take a class entitled “Leadership in the 21st Century,” a full credit class focusing on all aspects of the history of leadership and techniques of good leadership.