What is the purpose of your Student Council?  A lot of times we think that Student Councils, also known as student governments or student associations, exist only to plan activities such as homecomings, proms, and spirit weeks.  But in reality, the purpose of your student council is to provide for your needs.  The reason why they plan activities is because students want them.  They realize that students need and deserve a break from their regular everyday school schedule.  If there is something needed in your school system, student council has the channels and representation to get something done about it.  We’ll explain how student councils are helpful in school, how student councils operate in Hawaii, and how you can get involved.

In Hawaii there’s a great statewide student representation system.  We even have a high school student member on the Board of Education!  As students, your input and our thoughts do matter.  You do have a voice in our educational system!

If you have a problem at school, it’s easy to grumble and be miserable, but why not use your energy in a positive way and do something about it?  That is where your school student council can help you.  Your school student council is there to let the adults in your school (also known as your administration and teachers) know how you feel and what you as a student need from your educational system.  Your student council officers are always looking for new ways to improve your school and make it better for you. 

Your Student Council officers are also there to help you come up with a solution for your problem.  But the only way they can help you is if they know what your problem is.  Make some time to let your student council officers know what your needs are.  Talk to them, write them a letter, give them a call…It doesn’t matter how big or small your problem is.  They will be more than happy to hear from you.  You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.  Your student councils are there to represent you and fight for your needs and rights.

Want to know more specifics on how this whole system operates?  Read on… Most schools have class councils, student body councils, and sometimes even a senate.  All public high schools and some intermediate schools in Hawaii have one, two, or more representatives on their District Student Councils. 

There are seven District Student Councils in the State of Hawaii.  They are: the Honolulu District Student Council, Leeward District Student Council, Windward District Student Council, Big Island Association of Student Councils, Maui District Student Council Organization, and the Kauai District Student Council.

The District Student Councils have regularly scheduled meetings for the discussion of student issues and concerns.  They deal with district-wide student concerns and problems and try to find ways to solve them.  They then recommend and advise a course of action to the district Superintendent and the District School Advisory Council.  If the District Student Council is not able to address a certain student concern or problem, it is taken to the Hawaii State Student Council.  District Student Councils are very important in maintaining communication with schools and the Hawaii State Student Council.

The Hawaii State Student Council, also known as HSSC, is made up of one representative from each of the seven public school districts and one ex-officio member, who is the student member on the Board of Education.  Like district and school student councils, they meet monthly for the discussion of student issues and concerns.  The HSSC may recommend and advise courses of action to the State Department of Education.  They are also responsible for maintaining communication with the Board of Education and for working with the state student conference planners in pursuing State Student Conference recommendations.

What is the State Student Conference?  The State Student conference, also known as the SSC, is an annual statewide event which takes place around March.  Its purpose is to enable students in high schools (public and private) to identify, discuss, and arrive at recommended solutions to major youth problems.  The number of delegates your school sends to the SSC is proportional to the number of students in your school. Sixteen SSC student planners, appointed by the Governor, are in charge of planning this conference.  There are two planners from each public school district and two representing the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools. 

We realize that this is a lot of information to digest, so if you have any questions or want to find out more, talk to your school student activities coordinator.  Student Councils are always looking for people to help out.  There are many ways you can get involved.  You could help your class officers paint signs, get involved in a committee, or even chair a committee.  You could also get involved by becoming an elected officer, which is really rewarding and quite an experience!  One of the best ways you can make a difference in your educational system is by becoming your school’s delegate to our State Student Conference. 

There are many ways you can make a positive difference in your educational system.  Using and being involved with your school, district, and state student councils is a great and effective way to do so.  Remember…one person can make a difference.  Imagine if every person tried what you can accomplish together!