Spring conferences looked quite a bit different at Liberty Middle School last week.

Rather than parents and guardians meeting with their child’s teachers, the students took the lead in reviewing their year so far.

During the meetings on March 26 students shared their Leadership Portfolio, a curated collection of their work, goals and reflections; talked about specific learning successes; discussed their academic strengths and growth areas and set personal goals for the remainder of the school year.

“Our data from the last three years shows that when students are responsible for explaining their own progress, they become more engaged and motivated,” LMS administrators said in a letter home to families. “This shift is a key part of our commitment to a culturally responsive and inclusive environment. It moves the conversation from a report of grades to a meaningful dialogue about growth, character, and leadership.”

The student-led conferences align with the Middle School’s Comprehensive Education Plan as well as the district’s Comprehensive Improvement Plan and Strategic Plan.

The student-led conferences have helped lead to more family involvement during the spring meetings. The number of families attending more than doubled from the 2023-24 school year, with more than 260 attending the most recent conferences.

On March 11, Liberty Middle School hosted the Sweethearts and Heroes BRAVE program, bringing students together for an intensive day focused on leadership, empathy and building a culture of compassion.

Student leaders participated in a series of interactive experiences designed to shift perspectives from bystander to “Hero.” The day began with an Opening Circle, where students explored the philosophy of “Play” and the foundational pillars of leadership. They then engaged in hands-on “Hero Huddles” and “Bully Drills,” practicing real-world strategies to support peers and respond to challenging social situations.

During a Leadership Working Lunch, the school’s Student Leadership Group collaborated with BRAVE trainers to plan how to sustain and expand these efforts throughout the school community.

In the afternoon, student leaders put their learning into action by mentoring fifth-grade students, facilitating sessions that emphasized connection and inclusion. One fifth-grader, Mayleen Lopez Arroyave, said, “I was nervous at first, but once we started talking to the older kids, they were so nice and made me feel less vulnerable.”

Student leaders also reflected on the experience. Eighth-grader Montgomery Allen described it as “a stepping stone to my career of wanting to work with children,” while classmate Namar Singh added, “It was fun to be able to do games and stuff with younger peers.”

Other participating students were seventh-graders Owen Brust, Avery Decker, Denali Owens, Carolina Vera Rivera and Caleb Rusin and eighth-graders Mya Davis, Claire Ferguson, Michael Garzon Valle, Jacob Grossman, Luna Hulse, Thomas Jandik, Antoni Klys, Corrine Lake, Harper Matusak, Pricilla Matute, Zalaina Nash, Luke Poley and Greyson Torres.

Josiah Mckeon, representing the BRAVE program, summarized its mission: “The BRAVE program isn’t just about stopping a bully; it’s about starting a movement of compassion and connection.”

The kickoff marks an important step for Liberty Middle School in fostering student leadership and creating a more supportive, inclusive school environment.  Sweethearts and Heroes will return five more times throughout the year to continue the “movement of compassion and connection.”

“We are incredibly proud of our students for showing the courage to lead and the heart to help,” said MS/HS Behavior Specialist Sheila Wormuth. “Way to go, Liberty Heroes!”