GH students draft school expectations in districtwide 'Constitutional Conventions'
Elementary students across Grand Haven Area Public Schools are taking an active role in civic engagement and classroom culture this fall through a districtwide "Constitutional Convention" initiative designed to let students craft their own school rules.
GRAND HAVEN — Elementary students across Grand Haven Area Public Schools are taking an active role in civic engagement and classroom culture this fall through a districtwide "Constitutional Convention" initiative designed to let students craft their own school rules.
The hands-on process gives students a direct voice in shaping classroom and campus expectations, encouraging a sense of shared responsibility and community ownership from a young age.
“We ask students about their hopes and dreams, and what it will take to accomplish those things,” said Mary Jane Evink, GHAPS director of instructional services. “Then we involve students in making school rules. Each class sends a representative to the Constitutional Convention to finalize the school rules. We empower children this way.”
The initiative begins at the classroom level, where students collaborate to establish foundational rules for their own rooms. Each class selects a student delegate to represent them at the schoolwide convention. Delegates present their peers' ideas, analyze common themes across grade levels, and negotiate a unified set of schoolwide expectations.
At Peach Plains Elementary, Principal Jason Lawson added historical flair by dressing as James Madison — the "Father of the Constitution" — to welcome delegates and guide them through the legislative process.
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District educators emphasize that the exercise aligns with GHAPS’ broader "Learner Traits" framework, which highlights core qualities essential for academic success.
“When students have a voice in creating their classroom and school rules, they can begin to see the connection between those expectations and the kind of learner they want to become,” said GHAPS K-4 Instructional Coach Chris Working. “It helps students understand that our expectations aren’t just a list of rules. They are there to help everyone learn, grow, and be successful.”
While each elementary building in the district brings its own creative approach to the convention, officials say the core objective remains the same: empowering young learners to build safe, respectful, and effective learning environments together.
— Submitted by Grand Haven Area Public School. To submit a news tip, email newsroom@ottawanewsnetwork.org.
