Frequently Asked Questions
What Exactly Makes Student Council Fun?
Our Student Council is a student led organization where it literally is what the students make it. There are many opportunities to challenge yourself and grow as a leader. As a council we take several trips during the school year that are all focused on leadership development. Not only that but there is a ton of fun that comes with it, especially when meeting new students from other schools. Through community service involvement, social bonding, trips, and planning activities for our school, we are essentially the premier leadership organization at Belvidere High School.
Do I Have To Meet Any Requirements To Join Student Council?
Not at all! We are one of the few clubs that welcomes the whole student body! As a member you are held accountable for any illegal activities, a suspension from a few meetings and an impeachment of any position being held by you will be the only punishment; after, you are welcome back as a general member with open arms!
What Are Some of The Trips We Take Throughout The Year?
All of our trips we take are optional to our members and typically come on a first come, first serve basis. We traditionally attend Winter Retreat, which is an overnight stay during the month of December in a location determined by our regional student council. We also attend Spring Convention, another overnight stay during the month of March, and a 3 day State Convention held in May. Also, we attend several leadership workshops throughout the year that are typically only one day long, and some of which will be hosted at Belvidere High School. Overnight trips can range from $50-$100 with a discount from the Student Council. With experience from attending trips, our members find they grow as a leader most when attending them. Student Council also has scholarship money that can be arranged if money is a problem and you wish to attend a trip. Please talk to our advisors if that is something you are interested in!
What If I Find Student Council Isn’t The Right Thing For Me?
If you find that after coming to our meetings and exploring that our opportunities don’t suit you, you may leave the council at your own desire, and we respect that. Meetings are open to anyone at any point during the year, but for a better experience, you want to join at the beginning of the year. Therefore, we encourage you to attend at least a few meetings to getting a better idea of our council.
What Opportunities Will I Have As A Freshman?
As an incoming Freshman, you will have the same opportunities as our veteran members. You will be able to vote at our meetings and give your input like anyone else. You can also attend trips and any other function the council has. You will also have the option to run for class officer positions as a Freshman. The positions are class President, Vice President, Secretary, or Treasurer.
How Does Student Council Actually Benefit Me?
Student Council is easily a memorable high school experience for any student. Our primary focus in the Belvidere High School Student Council is leadership development in our members. Our members can gain skills that will help them become better speakers, more confident, and knowledgeable in leadership situations. These factors help our members become more prepared for after high school in the workforce or in college. The elements learned in our council will go a long way in their futures, we can assure you. Also, community service is definitely a plus when applying to college, or better yet being in Student Council is.
What Is The North Central District, Illinois Association of Student Councils, and National Association of Student Councils?
The North Central District, or NCD, is our regional student council made up of member schools in the Northern Illinois region. The NCD hosts workshops, retreats, conventions, and many more leadership opportunities that Belvidere High School participates in annually. The Illinois Association of Student Councils, or IASC, is our state student council. It is made up of all the member high schools in the state of Illinois. This organizations also provides numerous leadership opportunities such as workshops, conventions, etc. that focus on leadership development. Finally, the National Association of Student Councils, Or NASC, is our national student council organization. This is made up of all member high school student councils in the country. This organization provides top notched leadership opportunities that select students may participate in.
I’m A Little Nervous To Join…
No problem. Many of our members were nervous when they first joined. Our Student Council is a welcoming environment and all of our members are thrilled when we gain new members. There will be many people to help you get more comfortable, especially our Seniors. You don’t need to come into Student Council as a great leader, that’s what we are here for, to help you learn and make you a great one! But, the first step is coming to our meetings
What Exactly Is An Advisor
An advisor is someone who oversees a group or organization. Student Council has two advisors, Mrs. Schelonka and Mrs. Tumminello. Both of them serve to make sure we are working hard and are there to assist us in any possible way
Can I Be President Of The Student Council As A Freshman?!
Not so fast! As a Freshman you cannot become President of the entire council. You will take the next couple of years to determine if that’s right for you. In the mean time there are class positions available for you. You can also join committees to get more experience. In a few years, you can see if you are up for the challenge
I Still Have A Few Questions Not Covered On Here...Who Do I Ask?
You can talk to any of our members of our Student Council, executive board members, or our advisors. The fastest and easiest way is to email our current President ([email protected])