Flin Flon’s student leaders have big ideas for their schools.
Members of student councils from École McIsaac School and Ruth Betts Community School brought their requests to school board trustees during a meeting held on Nov. 20.
“We’d like to update the computer lab to make it more functional for the entire school,” said Morgan Maxwell, member of Ruth Betts student council.
Delegation members said the existing computer lab, which features 24 older desktop computers with cathode ray monitors, is outdated and difficult for students to use.
“The current setup is not functional and wastes a lot of space,” said Skylar Maxwell, student council president.
“The equipment is dated and the room itself is uninviting. As it is right now, the computer lab doesn’t get used as much as it should,” added Kenneth Morris, council vice-president.
The students proposed a total overhaul of the lab, including modern technology like tablets and Chromebooks.
“Our student council is very excited to decorate the room to give it a more comfortable vibe,” said Morris. “We would like to dim the harsh fluorescent lighting and paint the room to create a happier, friendlier environment. We will display artwork and let students show off their creativity.”
Included in the proposal is a smattering of new devices, including 10 tablets, 15 Chromebooks, 9 Chromeboxes, two charging areas, a projector and a maker space.
The requested equipment would cost in the neighbourhood of $12,000. Additional costs, like labour, furniture and paint were not included in the estimate.
Student council hopes to raise money for the refurbishment through fundraisers, but asked school board trustees to supplement with board funding.
“Putting together this modern tech learning space will be a big undertaking for student council, but we are confident that it will benefit everybody at RBCS,” said Maxwell.
The proposal caught the eye of trustee Tim Davis. “I like the [proposed] room, it looks much more inviting,” he said.
Trustees in attendance made no immediate commitment to the project. Funds and resources may be allotted at a later date.
Ruth Betts students weren’t the only ones with suggestions.
A number of improvements were proposed by the McIsaac student council.
Of the four proposals, the biggest project would be building a bench and shelter near the school’s bus turnaround for waiting students.
“We’re thinking kind of like a dugout at a baseball field that kids can sit in. We’re looking at what kinds of materials we can use there that will survive our winters,” said Rachel Harris, a teacher and student council organizer at McIsaac.
Trustees seemed receptive to the idea, which can be used by students from all three Flin Flon-area schools.
“I like that,” said trustee Davis.
Also included were proposals for a new healthy snack machine at the school and a mascot costume for the school’s sports programs.
“We want a mascot costume for our Mad Dogs. We don’t have a costume right now and it would be a good way to show school pride,” said Nathan Burbidge, student council vice-president.
Both Ruth Betts and Creighton Community School currently have mascot suits for school events.
The council also requested new netting for the school’s outdoor soccer nets, which do not currently have proper netting. Balls kicked into the net go sailing through the back, forcing players to run after the ball to retrieve it.
“Little kids always like playing soccer in the summertime and we want to help give them a chance. The netting is all ripped,” said student council president
Shanti Church.
