Creekwood Middle School Student Council

Sponsors – Michelle McCrary,

and Brittany Templeton

What is Student Council?

Student Council isa student-run organization that focuses on promoting school spirit, uniting the student body, providing service to the school and to the community, and having FUN!

What do I have to do to join?

First, I need your info! Please go to the Student Council webpage on the Creekwood website and fill in the form under the “2016-2017 Membership” tab. Information will include:

  • Your Name:
  • Your grade level in 16-17 School Year:
  • Your email address:
  • Your phone number:

*Remind 101 is our official form of communication. Please make sure you sign up!

Second, attendthe mandatory orientation meetingThursday, May 5that 6:00pm, in the Library(this is for students and parents). You will get all the information you need about becoming a Student Council member, including work-on hours. IF YOU MISS THE ORIENTATION, DON’T WORRY! YOU CAN STILL JOIN STUDENT COUNCIL. JUST SEND YOUR CONTACT INFO, AND START COLLECTING YOUR WORK-ON HOURS ASAP.

Third, you need to be UIL eligible when this current school year ends. Throughout the school year, you need to remain UIL eligible or you will be removed from council. This is important because Student Council members represent CMS to the best of their ability.

What’s a work-on hour?

All prospective members will have to provide hours of service to the school and community. Each student will be required to complete a total of15work-onhoursover the summer in order to become a member of CMS Student Council. Work-on hours are recorded on sheets provided in this packet and signed by an adult in charge. Documentation must include the organization’s name, the person’s name with whom the student worked, and a phone number so that the information can be verified.Please be as accurate as possible. *There is always a temptation to stretch 30 minutes into an hour, but remember that honesty and integrity are key principles that a Student Council representative should display at all times.

What counts towards work-on?

Community work-on hours can be any group, organization, or business that needs volunteer help. Remember you cannot get paid for your hours. We have included a list of some possible volunteer opportunities. FYI- Work-on opportunities include helping teachers pack up for the end of the year. The following do NOT count as work on hours: babysitting, dog sitting or dog walking. A family member cannot sign off on your hours. You may begin getting your work-on hours May 31stand all hours must be completed byAugust 7, 2016.

When do I turn in my stuff?

You will turn in your packetno later than August 8, 2016 at noon. Bring completed packet to the Front Office reception desk and place in the box labeled “Student Council”. The front office should be open beginning August 8th at 9 a.m.

After I’ve done all that, am I a member?

YES, once you have completed these requirements you will become an official Student Council member! The list of new members will be posted to the Student Council website on August 10th. New members will also receive an email containing information regarding important dates and requirements.

Student Council Camp

We will have a MANDATORY two day camp for all Student Council members at CMS on Thursday, August 11th 8 a.m. to12 p.m. and Friday, August 12th 8 a.m to 12 p.m. On the first day, you will pay your $50 dues for the year (returning members pay $30). This includes the cost of the Student Council t-shirt, and current school spirit shirt. CASH ONLY, please.

I’m a member! Now what?

Once you are a Student Council member, each Student Council member must complete a monthly point sheet with a designated number of points each month. Points are awarded very similar to hours. In many cases one hour equals one point. Each month, sponsors will look at the calendar and give you as many opportunities as possible to earn your points. Earning points will help you establish and retain your status as a CMS Student Council member. If a Student Council member fails to meet the point requirement, he or she will be placed on probation. Two consecutive months on probation will result in dismissal from the Council.

Once you establish yourself as a Student Council member you need to realize you are the pulse of the school and are expected to uphold the reputation of Student Council. You will be responsible for various tasks and will be required to attend school functionsthroughout the year.

Teacher Work Days

Each student mustwork 4hours (2 hour shifts) during the Teacher work week, August 15th – 19th, including Colt Roundup (Date TBA). Hours will be documented on the August point sheet, which you will receive at Student Council Camp. You will be required to bring your point sheet for every Student Council event, and it is your responsibility to get signatures from the sponsors.

Are there meetings?

Yes, Student Council holdsmeetings Thursday mornings. Allmembers must attend every meeting in order to receive points.Additional after school meetings may be scheduled as needed.

Is there a dress code?

Yes, when the Student Council uniform is required, this will consist of the Student Council t-shirt and jeans.Jeans must meet all dress code requirements. No cropped, capri or Bermuda-style shorts will be permitted. Shoes must be closed-toe and mostly solid color - no flip-flops or sandals of any kind will be permitted. You are required to wear this "uniform" whenever you are representing Student Council at a function or game. You can wear your t-shirt any day at school to proudly represent our organization, but you must still be in compliance with the school dress code.

Note: During the work-on days with the teachers in August, you will need to be in dress code. If you are out of dress code you will be sent home and not allowed to earn points for that day.

How do I get involved in leadership?

Delegates and Officerswere elected through the Council at the end of the school year and are currently serving their term in office. In order to become a Delegate or an Officer you must turn in EVERY point sheet and meet the minimum amount of points every month.

Committees are open to any Student Council member. They truly are the face of Student Council! They may be formed as early as the first meeting. Committees will be co-chaired by Student Council Officers and Delegates. Each committee has its own special role (examples: Spirit, Teacher Appreciation, and Community Service) and will work on a variety of projects throughout the year. Committees will meet on Thursdays or other designated times.

A couple words from the sponsors…

We hope this packet helped answer any questions you may have had. By joining Student Council, you are joining an elite organization filled with students who truly make a difference on this campus everyday. Thanks for stepping up and wanting to lead. We look forward to working with all of you and know that together we will make this year a huge success!

You can find Student Council information at the CMS Student Council Web Site.

Email us at:

Important Dates for 2016-2017(Times/dates subject to change)

August 8th, 2016Deadline for Completed Packets turned in by noon to Front Office

August 11th & 12thStudent Council Camp from 8-12 at CMS

Meet in the Commons

Bring $50 cash for dues ($30 for returning members)

August 15-19Teacher Work Week

Students will sign up for shifts at StuCo Camp

Date/Time TBAColt Round-up

Students will sign up for shifts at StuCo Camp

______

VOLUNTEER HOURS SUGGESTIONS:

Volunteering for any non-profit organization, as well as any business in need of volunteer help will fulfill your work-on hour requirement. Some ideas include the following: (Please note, many of these organizations require parents to attend also. Contact them for more information.)

American Red Cross713-526-8300

Big Brother Big Sister281-446-3663 ext 206

Children’s Defense Fund713-273-3291

Family Time281-446-2615

HAAM281-446-3663

HarrisCounty Public Library281-360-6804

HolocaustMuseum713-942-8000 ext 102

Houston Arboretum & Nature Center 713-681-8433

Houston Food Bank713-547-8610

HSPCA713-869-7722 ext 129

Kingwood Library281-360-6804

Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens281-443-8731

Mission Northeast281-354-1200

Rosemont Assisted Living281-812-4099

Society of St. Stephens281-358-7722

Sunbridge Care and Rehab 281-446-8484

The Village Learning Center281-358-6172

VAP281-358-9818

Star of Hope Women’s and Family 713-222-2220

Other Suggestions:

Volunteering at your church VBS program

Helping teachers clean out their rooms

Dog or house sitting (without payment)