There is a sound — and rather large—student government now operating at the Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School.
A total of 162 young politicians in Grades 6 through 8 are running the government for their peers as members of the Student Council at the Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School this school year.
Once the Middle School expanded with the addition of 6th Grade students and staff this fall, the Student Council saw its membership explode—which is also a tribute to the passionate and dedicated Co-Advisors, Kim Pratt and Meghan Wilkinson.
To round up these 162 students and merge them into one cohesive government, the Middle School Student Council Mixer was held on Wednesday, October 14.
Once classes ended that Wednesday afternoon, the students assembled in the Middle School auditorium, where, under the leadership of Ms. Pratt and Ms. Wilkinson and the 12 members of the Executive Board, they participated in various activities and challenges.
Ms. Pratt and Ms. Wilkinson explained the reason for this informative and productive event.
“The purpose of the mixer is to build community within our Student Council early on in the year, so members have a better idea of how to serve the school and their peers in their new role. Students will have a chance to participate in icebreakers, team-building, and other leadership training. It is a fun event that involves some wonderful refreshments and treats as well.”
A total of 140 of the 162-strong membership attended the Student Council Mixer that afternoon, where they engaged in a rotating 15-minute schedule that featured leadership and public speaking training in the courtyard outside the auditorium, games and challenges inside the auditorium, and, of course, some tasty snacks and refreshments in the adjacent cafeteria.
Danny Higgins, an 8th Grader and a member of the executive Board in his role as Treasurer, was enthusiastic about the purpose of the mixer.
“We are trying to accomplish an experience so everyone gets to know each other,” Danny said. “Our mixer will help communication skills, public speaking skills and attention skills.”
Ms. Pratt and Ms. Wilkinson were quite pleased with the results.
“The Student Council Mixer was lively, with strong student participation, and well attended.”
Danny added:
“It turned out great.”
True words of a politician.