Empowered to Lead: How Student-Led Assemblies Are Transforming Connolly Middle School

From the moment you walk into the gym during Connolly Middle School’s end of the quarter assemblies, you notice something unexpected – students rule the experience. And that’s not just a suggestion, it’s a rule. 

Student-led assemblies were implemented last school year as a way to empower students to be active participants in their middle school experience, while also exploring the unique opportunities available to them as Connolly students.

Each assembly includes four key aspects: recognition of sports teams, a performance from Connolly’s band, orchestra or choir, a teacher versus student game, and a student-only competition. Even though teachers are available to provide support, students are responsible for planning, managing, and leading each of these activities. That also means that teachers never hold the microphone, passing it instead to students.

“They're getting opportunities to collaborate with us and work together, and they get a lot of organizational skills as well,” seventh grade English Language Arts teacher Natalie Worthington said of the experience students gain during the student-led event.

Worthington is the teacher sponsor of the PBIS Committee. Along with the Student Council, she works with members of the committee, including seventh grader Lucas Rominger, to run the assembly.

“It honestly feels super empowering,” Rominger said about being part of the planning process. “It makes me feel really good that our teacher body and student body can relate and help each other make our activities and assemblies better for everyone.”

At October’s student-led assembly, Connolly eighth grader and Student Class President Adrianna Pippen served as the master of ceremonies. With a leadership role, Pippen realizes the power and influence she has to be the voice of the students.

“Kids have a good response to other kids speaking rather than the teachers, so they get hyped up whenever students start speaking,” she said about the chance to own the mic during the event. 

Through implementing student-led assemblies, Pippen also knows that student-led assemblies are only possible because of the trust placed on them by Connolly staff, something she values.

“I know that the teachers actually do put respect and trust into the students. If students are doing the right thing, they acknowledge that and give them certain responsibilities,” Pippen said.

In addition to positive feedback from the entire Connolly community, Worthington has seen a shift in how students conduct themselves since the format of the assemblies was adopted.

“We started these last year and we've really seen big growth, especially with the student council,” she said. “They've gained a lot of confidence in themselves. It's been cool to see that leading these assemblies has really translated into the classroom. I've had a student that’s able to speak in front of the class when maybe before they were a little bit more quiet or shy.”

While students may rule the assembly experience, the benefits have extended beyond the once-a-quarter event and solidified the Connolly Crusader atmosphere.

“Student-led assemblies really bring our community together,” Worthington said. “It builds a positive rapport not only just with the students, but also the teachers. Promoting those positive relationships is really a great part of Connolly.”

Come explore this thriving school community for yourself at Connolly’s Open House on Tuesday, January 28 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.

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About Connolly Middle School
Connolly Middle School serves students from sixth to eighth grade, providing a comprehensive middle school experience where every student can find their place. As a National AVID Demonstration Site, Connolly’s mission is to prepare students for college readiness and success in a global society through rigorous coursework and critical thinking. Learn more about Connolly Middle School.