To the Editor:
I am a junior high student, and I am using the intelligence I’ve gained so far in my education to help make my own school a more positive place for learning. I have sent letters to the superintendent of my district, the local newspaper, my school principal, and my district’s school board.
Students may assume that their voices are not heard and their opinions don’t matter. But this is not the case. If they put their brainpower behind something they believe is good, they can help achieve it.
Likewise, if students think something is not right in their school environment, they should write a letter to their principal or vice principal to try to make changes or encourage a sensible resolution that profits both the students’ and staff’s wishes.
Students may be frightened to let their principals know about school problems and other ongoing issues. But without their participation, the school will not learn to adjust to students’ learning needs. So, I recommend that students inform their schools’ leaders about issues they think are important. Schools need students’ opinions just as much as they need parents’ opinions.
Students have a strong voice and should use it to their advantage. I did.
Jacob Zellmann
Chandler, Ariz.
