Newly-elected co-presidents Nina Kronengold (VI) and Calder Stokes (VI) kicked off their campaign with many intriguing initiatives and goals. From free Bunni coffee in the cafeteria to advisory challenges, there is plenty to be excited about. During our interview, Kronengold and Stokes stated that their biggest focus is to bridge the gap between FSG and the students, faculty, and administration.
In their meetings with the administration, Kronengold and Stokes discussed the importance of transparency and communication with students, and introduced the idea of regular google meet talk sessions. Stokes explained further that “many of us feel we don’t know the administration and their initiatives as well, and these sessions could be a good way to bridge that gap.” Over the last couple of weeks, the two have been brainstorming ideas and changes for the upcoming school year, starting with frequent student questionnaires over the summer.
Both Kronengold and Stokes are on a COVID-19 task force, working with the administrative council on reimagining how the school year will look in the fall, and reshaping some of their goals for the presidency. One of their goals, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, was rearranging the library’s purpose with ideas to book study rooms via cell phone and host grade-wide post-assembly discussions. Now, amidst the pandemic with an uncertain school reopening date, Stokes and Kronengold said that, “we know that some of these initiatives may not be possible anymore considering we don’t know if we will be able to have these types of events happening, however, we will try to make them happen and we are shifting our focus to what the students value right now.”
Kronengold and Stokes discussed the shift in their priorities towards student health; Supporting everyone throughout the challenges of online school and these uncertain times have become a prioritized initiative. Both state that “It’s sometimes difficult to feel motivated for class and it’s sad to see the disconnect between people in the classroom.” Thus, Kronengold and Stokes have brainstormed ideas to increase motivation, connection and interaction during online school, which include creating online advisory challenges and games.
“It’s been hard mentally, but I have noticed that playing fun games in class, such as a quick game of escape the room in math, is a super engaging and a good way to connect,” said Kronengold, “we all definitely miss the everyday social interaction with people we may not always be intact with all the time, and the FSG presidents are focused on designing these spaces to fill that gap.”
In the next few months of planning for the upcoming school year, Kronengold and Stokes understand the challenge laid out before them, which is a more transparent relationship between FSG and the student body, and are taking it head-on. In their campaign video, Kronengold and Stokes proposed “Tea Time with Nina and Calder.” Their proposal offers time for students and the FSG co-presidents to connect and converse with each other.
Currently, Kronengold and Stokes are conversing with administrators to put their proposal into action, and are seeking student feedback to help further the details of their proposal. The idea of having grade representation during remote circumstances is another priority of Kronengold and Stokes. Both explained, “We don’t want to be known as just FSG- co-presidents, we want to just be Kronengold and Stokes and be people that you can come to no matter your grade and give us advice and suggestions for what you want to see happen… We hope to create a down to earth relationship with all of you.”
