In a first-of-its-kind work study session, students from across the South Kitsap School District led a school board meeting June 4, offering insights into their educational experiences to help shape the future direction of the district through the newly formed Student Circle of Champions group.

The session marked the culmination of months of collaboration between district leadership and the student-led group, which includes participants from South Kitsap High School, Explorer Academy and Discovery Alternative High School. Four student-generated topics were discussed: what it’s like to be a high school student, the bell schedule, student voice in decision-making, and cell phone usage in schools.

SKSD board Director Brian Pickard said the idea grew from a desire to do more than hear occasional student updates at board meetings.

“A couple of years ago, we as a board had gone to a conference and did some learning and reading and we wanted to have student representation on the board and we did that,” Pickard said. “We had a couple of (SKHS) students that came to most of the board meetings, shared some things and it was okay, but okay wasn’t good enough.”

He explained the board wanted to move beyond surface-level reports and instead give students a deeper platform to influence district policy.

“We talked this last November and said we want to do something rather than just having kids come and share what’s going on at the high school,” he said. “We came up with the concept of the Student Circle of Champions. It’s much more inclusive, more people, more voices, and it’s collaborative and action-driven.”

Superintendent Tim Winter said the students’ input is not just being heard, it’s driving change.

“There are some things that are going to change because of this group that these students may not be impacted by, but generations of students will be impacted by in the future,” he said.

Winter also noted the innovative format of the evening: a student-led board study session.

“I’ve never in my 34 years of education heard of a student-led study session,” he said. “We plan to do it a couple times next year as well.”

Each board member moderated a breakout group focused on one of the student-proposed topics.

Director Kate Epsy led the group tackling the realities of modern high school life.

“What do some adults often misunderstand about what it’s like to be a high school student today?” Epsy asked.

Lara Barnett, a sophomore at SKHS, highlighted the pressures of academic and social expectations.

“Trying to grapple with academic pillars, as an AP student and someone who is only in their second year of high school, I’ve already faced so many pressures regarding rigor and content of the classes I’m taking,” Barnett said. “Socially it’s really difficult for teachers, who want you to succeed, but oftentimes it can be misinterpreted as something that is pushing you to your downfall.”

Director Jay Villars moderated the discussion on the school’s bell schedule.

“How does the current bell schedule support or challenge your ability to manage your school work and life outside of school?” he asked.

Vianney Gonzalez Uscanga, a junior at SKHS, said the current schedule helps her balance academics and extracurriculars.

“To most people like me who are overachievers and want to get everything done while also trying to have a social life, I’m also involved in many clubs and activities,” she said.

Freshman Cole Meyers had a different perspective.

“My attention span and my aspirations for high achievement really clash with my mental stamina in these one hour and twenty minute class periods,” Meyers said. “I often feel I lose focus and I’m not able to be as productive.”

Director Megan Higgins led the conversation about how students feel represented in school decisions.

“In what ways do you feel students are heard or not heard when it comes to decisions that affect school life?” Higgins asked.

Titus Fontenot, a sophomore at SKHS, said the Circle of Champions gives him a platform to be heard.

“I feel I am more heard because I can talk directly to the district body,” Fontenot said. However, he added, “I don’t feel any representation by ASB or contact with ASB and my entire class.”

Director Andrew Brandon moderated the final group, asking how phones impact learning.

“You have so much technology in your hands, How do you see phones helping or hurting the learning environment at school?” he asked.

“Cell phones give students access to a lot of information as well as allow students to keep track of important assignments, tasks, and deadlines,” Emily Holtcamp said, a senior at Explorer Academy. “They can also be distracting, I believe we should be focusing on how to get students to focus and acceptable phone usage will sort of follow.”

The Student Circle of Champions began in February and has met monthly, building up to the June 4 event. District leaders say they plan to continue and expand the initiative next school year.

“We just feel really lucky to have an opportunity once a month to just learn,” Winter said.