Under the guidance of advisors Rita Elliott and Shanna Noonan, the student council at Bayfield Intermediate School brings together fifth-grade leaders who are eager to make a difference in their school community.
“We have two presidents, two treasurers, and two secretaries, and reps from each class in 5th grade,” Elliott explained. Students apply for these positions each fall, and the process is competitive. “They turned in probably 40 applications for those positions, and we get it down to around 10 or 15. Those students gave speeches to the entire grade level in September, and their classmates voted for who they wanted.”
Elliott said the goal is to cultivate leadership and responsibility in young students who are ready for more.
“We want to instill leadership qualities in students—or define those—and really be representatives of what a Wolverine looks like, especially to the 3rd graders,” she said. “They are developing leadership qualities they can take on to middle school and high school and continue participating in student council or other leadership opportunities.”
Beyond leadership skills, Student Council members are learning what it means to serve others.
“We’re letting them be a part of something bigger than themselves,” Elliott said. “We try to give back as much as we can to families here in our building.”
Successful Fall Projects
This year’s early projects already show the group’s enthusiasm and effectiveness. In November, Student Council wrapped up two major initiatives:
- Thankful-grams fundraiser, which raised $267 for families in need.
- School-wide food drive, which collected an impressive 837 nonperishable items for local support programs.
The top-donating classrooms—Mrs. Harris, Mrs. Trujillo, and Mrs. Nelson—earned root beer float celebrations for their efforts.
In their December 2 meeting, Student Council members were already shifting gears to prepare for their next big fundraiser: candy cane sales, scheduled for December 8–11.
“In order to have money to give in December, we are going to sell candy canes,” Elliott told the group. Students will sell the treats for $1 each, with purchases capped at ten per person to make sure everyone has the chance to participate.
The fundraiser is being planned and managed by Committee Group #3, consisting of Eliza, London, Zoe, Caroline, and Lily. The team worked on ideas for posters and announcements during the meeting and received a reminder that selling requires discipline and fairness.
“Push this because we want lots of money to give away,” Elliott encouraged them. “This is for families in our school community. We don’t know who it is going to go to—we just know it helps.”
Building School Spirit
In addition to service projects, Student Council takes the lead on many of the fun traditions that bring BIS students together. This month, they are gearing up for:
- Festive Christmas Sweater Day – December 11
When one student asked, “What if you don’t have one?” Elliott responded: “Make one!” - Spirit Week – December 15–18, featuring:
Mad About Plaid Monday
Tasty Candy Cane Tuesday
Cindy Lou Who Wednesday
Long Winter’s Nap Thursday
These activities help build a positive school culture while giving Student Council members hands-on experience in planning and communication.
Student Council members also serve throughout the year in buddy classes, recycling routes, and event support roles—everything from managing spirit week to helping teachers during parent-teacher conferences. Their responsibilities are outlined regularly in meeting agendas, which reflect a busy calendar of projects, reminders, and service assignments.
The 2025–26 Student Council roster includes a full slate of student leaders, including Co-Presidents Camille Melacon and Brynlee Gadd, Co-Secretaries Eliza Nyberg and Harper Hill, and Co-Treasurers Reid Cole and Helena Margeson, along with classroom representatives and alternates from each 5th-grade class.
From fundraising to school spirit, the BIS Student Council is shaping a culture of service, leadership, and fun. Their advisors see the long-term impact every day.
“They’re becoming part of something bigger than themselves,” Elliott said.
