I’m thrilled to announce the launch of the Chief Academic Officer’s Student Advisory Council, composed of students from 5th to 12th grade.

The CAO Student Advisory Council is designed to amplify student voices, nurture leadership, and foster collaboration among students across PBSA schools. This Council provides a platform for students to share insights, advocate for their peers, and work collectively to shape a brighter future for their schools and community.

How it Works
The Council and I meet monthly along with other cluster leaders to discuss issues that matter most to students, provide input on PBSA policies and initiatives, and contribute actionable solutions to enhance their school environments. Through this opportunity, members of the council:

• Learn the importance of advocacy.
• Build essential leadership skills.
• Enhance their ability to take ownership of their educational journey.

The first official CAO Student Advisory Council meeting took place on January 9, 2025. During this meeting, Council members:

• Shared their passions and concerns about their individual schools and the broader cluster community.
• Offered innovative ideas and valuable perspectives on school culture, climate, and academic excellence.
• Engaged in a strategic planning session to identify challenges and develop actionable solutions. These efforts will culminate in a Project-
• Based Learning (PBL) initiative addressing the key concerns identified by the Council.
• Celebrated positive experiences and achievements within their schools, reinforcing the importance of recognizing successes alongside addressing challenges.

The Council also finalized its creed. The creed underscores the Council’s dedication to acting as a bridge between students and leadership, ensuring student voices remain central to PBSA’s decision-making processes.

This initiative amplifies student voices, ensuring leadership decisions reflect their needs. It highlights PBSA’s commitment to empowering students to advocate for themselves, their peers, and their communities.