For Immediate Release:
April 1, 2021
How Assumption School’s Student Leadership Team Continues to
Create Normalcy for Students One Year After Alameda County’s Shelter-in-Place
San Leandro, CA – Highly independent and capable, the embodiment of a dream team, and a unique ability to create a sense of normalcy in not-so-normal times is how moderators Darren Deonigi and Helen Martin describe Assumption’s Student Leadership Team (SLT). A global pandemic has not stopped SLT from delivering on their duties and being student role models. “All they need is a nudge,” explains Helen, and within a short 45 minutes, this motivated group of students has their final product completed – a video production of morning assembly for students from all grade levels to watch the next day as they prepare for a productive day at school. “Witnessing them support one another as they create something entirely new each day for the benefit of others is remarkable” continues Helen.
When Assumption School sought out volunteers from the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades to serve the Assumption School community in the 2020-2021 school year, a couple dozen eager students applied for an opportunity to give their time and talents to the school. Student applicants had to provide a resume and their passion for student leadership was shared during interviews. Ultimately, 13 students were welcomed and placed into various positions on SLT, including President, Vice President, publicity, media, ecology, ambassador, cheer and athletics.
Guided by the school’s mission and Catholic principles, SLT handles a variety of student engagement initiatives, but their efforts to pivot during the pandemic and recreate a virtual morning assembly has demonstrated their greatest value yet. “They have helped our entire school community maintain a sense of routine” expresses Darren, “despite the school needing to adapt regularly to changing shelter-in-place orders, which has made it an honor for Helen and I to support them”.
What does that sense of routine entail? Each virtual morning assembly consists of prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, recital of the school’s mission statement, and school news. While morning assembly was often adorned by students and onlooking parents each morning before the pandemic hit, SLT members developed special features for their virtual version that have helped to keep people engaged. Special features have included a weekly highlight of national sports, a fun facts series about Assumption faculty and staff, and amusing recognition of national days, such as National Spinach Day and National Snacks on a Stick Day.
Darren and Helen, or as students refer to them as Mr. D and Ms. Martin, mutually share the awe-inspiring feeling they are left with after each interaction with SLT. “After we conclude our daily meeting with SLT, both Helen and I talk about how impressed we are by these kids” expresses Darren. However, the students and school community share a mutual feeling of admiration and appreciation for the efforts of Mr. D and Ms Martin. “None of this amazing work happens without the support of Mr. D and Ms. Martin, who give of their personal time to help moderate these inspiring students,” shares Lana Rocheford, Assumption School’s Principal.
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About Assumption School
Assumption School is a private Catholic school with a track record of 60 years of academic excellence located in San Leandro. Open to students from Transitional Kindergarten to 8th Grade, the school offers a diverse portfolio of programs including academics, faith and community-based, and sports and
recreation. The school’s mission is to make every student feel safe, nurtured, respected, and treasured, while excelling in academics and modeling Christ. Learn more at www.assumption-sl.org.