Students Take the Lead in Solving School Challenges

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">At our schools, we believe students should have a voice in making positive changes. One example is how we&rsquo;re tackling school cleanliness.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In student surveys from 2023 and 2024, many rated school cleanliness lower than expected. To understand why, district administrators invited students to participate in focus groups. Students&rsquo; insights were enlightening. They noted common issues like littering in shared spaces, messy bathroom habits, and a lack of awareness about the hard work custodians do each day.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When asked how to improve cleanliness, some students suggested more adult intervention. However, through discussions and empathy interviews with custodians, students realized the importance of taking responsibility for their school environment.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img style="height: 188px; float: left; margin: 0px 15px 15px 0px;" alt="7 5th grade students in yellow safety vests represent the school's trash patrol" src="https://www.campbellusd.org/images/capri-green-team-preview.jpg" width="219" data-widget="ImagePreview2" data-src-original="https://www.campbellusd.org/images/capri-green-team.jpeg" />Working together, students and staff developed solutions, including:</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><strong>Student-led cleanliness campaigns</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> to promote responsibility</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><strong>Incentive programs</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> to align with the schools&rsquo; Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS)</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><strong>Signage</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> to create awareness and expectations on keeping shared spaces clean</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><strong>Acknowledgment and appreciation</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> for custodial staff</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><strong>Better maintenance strategies</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> for bathrooms and high-traffic areas</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">&ldquo;By giving students a role in solving real problems, we empower them to take responsibility and build pride in their school community,&rdquo; said Superintendent Shelly Viramontez. &ldquo;With these new initiatives, we expect to see a cleaner, more respectful environment that benefits everyone.&rdquo;</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Want to support these efforts at home? Encourage your child to take responsibility for their surroundings and appreciate those who help maintain them.</span></p><script src="//cdn.flmngr.com/widgets.js?apiKey=FLMNFLMN" data-ts="1739385329457"></script>

An example of continuous improvement through survey feedback

<p><span>At our schools, we believe students should have a voice in making positive changes. One example is how we’re tackling school cleanliness.</span></p> <p><span>In student surveys from 2023 and 2024, many rated school cleanliness lower than expected. To understand why, district administrators invited students to participate in focus groups. Students’ insights were enlightening. They noted common issues like littering in shared spaces, messy bathroom habits, and a lack of awareness about the hard work custodians do each day.</span></p> <p><span>When asked how to improve cleanliness, some students suggested more adult intervention. However, through discussions and empathy interviews with custodians, students realized the importance of taking responsibility for their school environment.</span></p> <p><span><img style="float:left" alt="7 5th grade students in yellow safety vests represent the school's trash patrol" src="https://www.campbellusd.org/images/capri-green-team-preview.jpg" width="219">Working together, students and staff developed solutions, including:</span></p> <ul> <li><strong>Student-led cleanliness campaigns</strong><span> to promote responsibility</span></li> <li><strong>Incentive programs</strong><span> to align with the schools’ Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS)</span></li> <li><strong>Signage</strong><span> to create awareness and expectations on keeping shared spaces clean</span></li> <li><strong>Acknowledgment and appreciation</strong><span> for custodial staff</span></li> <li><strong>Better maintenance strategies</strong><span> for bathrooms and high-traffic areas</span></li> </ul> <p><span>“By giving students a role in solving real problems, we empower them to take responsibility and build pride in their school community,” said Superintendent Shelly Viramontez. “With these new initiatives, we expect to see a cleaner, more respectful environment that benefits everyone.”</span></p> <p><span>Want to support these efforts at home? Encourage your child to take responsibility for their surroundings and appreciate those who help maintain them.</span></p>

<p>An example of continuous improvement through survey feedback</p>

public://continuous-improvement-students-02122025.jpg

middle school girl wearing an orange safety vest stands at a participation sign up station as several students stand waiting to sign up