At North Haven Community School, student leadership is not confined to a few—it’s shared by all. Our approach to governance reflects our community's own traditions of collaboration and civic engagement, giving every student a chance to contribute ideas, build consensus, and take part in shaping school life.
From Representation to Collaboration
Rather than relying on a small group of elected representatives, NHCS has reimagined student leadership as a shared process of participation and consensus. Beginning in the 2025–26 school year, we moved away from the traditional Student Council and introduced a more inclusive model of school governance: the Hawks Town Hall.
What is the Hawks Town Hall?
The Hawks Town Hall is a school wide forum where students and staff come together to discuss ideas, share announcements, and make decisions that affect daily life at NHCS. Every member of the school community—students, teachers, and staff alike—is an equal partner in conversation and collaboration.
Town Halls are held every two weeks during the school day. Each meeting is facilitated by students serving in rotating leadership roles, such as Chair and Clerk, who guide discussion, ensure respectful participation, and record key outcomes.
How It Works
Town Hall meetings follow a structured, transparent process designed to encourage thoughtful and civil dialogue:
Submit a Proposal: Any student or staff member may submit an item for the agenda—an announcement, discussion topic, or question—by completing a simple form.
Prepare the Agenda: A written agenda is prepared and shared before each meeting.
Engage in Reflection: Meetings begin with a short moment of reflection before the agenda is read aloud.
Discuss and Decide: Participants speak from their own experiences, listen attentively, and work toward consensus. In most cases, decisions are made through shared agreement rather than voting.
Record the Minutes: The Clerk records the outcomes of each discussion, which are then shared publicly within 48 hours.
Why We Made the Change
This model aligns with our four core values—Challenge, Compassion, Competence, and Community—and strengthens our culture of belonging and shared responsibility. The Hawks Town Hall:
Ensures that every student has a voice in shaping our school environment
Reflects the democratic traditions of the North Haven community
Builds essential skills in communication, empathy, and collective problem-solving
Promotes authentic leadership opportunities across all grade levels
By replacing a traditional council with a participatory Town Hall, NHCS helps students see leadership not as a title but as a practice—something everyone can learn, model, and share.
Getting Involved
Students are encouraged to take part in every Town Hall, whether by submitting proposals, serving as Chair or Clerk, or simply listening and learning from their peers. Proposal forms are available in the high school wing or main office.
Participation is open to all, and the invitation is simple: show up, share your voice, and help make our school stronger—together.