Fieldston’s Senior Class Presidents, Calder Stokes and Nina Kronengold address important issues and give students advice.
Lessening the burden of screen time during online learning
“I think it is good right now what Fieldston is doing, but I definitely think that there are a lot of difficulties for both students and teachers,” said Nina Kronengold. Even with the new hyflex schedule, virtual learning is difficult for many students because of the prolonged exposure to screens. In an attempt to lessen the negative impacts of online learning, Kronengold and Stokes are trying to introduce one asynchronous day per week.
On and off-campus options for food
Since upperclassmen are forced to eat lunch significantly later than the underclassmen, the class Presidents are in the process of trying to find a way to return off-campus privileges to the student body in a safe manner. One idea they have is to ask people at local restaurants to deliver orders to Fieldston. This will generate support for local businesses that rely on students in the area for revenue.
Building a tighter community
In order to foster a sense of community at Fieldston within a hyflex model, Stokes and Kronengold are working with both the Supervisor of Fun Times and the Covid Task Force. Fieldston is going to focus more on the wellbeing of students and faculty. The two even proposed and planned a senior movie night on the field.
Helping new students
It is incredibly challenging to be a new student, but it’s become even more difficult during the pandemic. To address the needs and concerns of new students, Stokes and Kronengold are working with Natasha Finkelstein (VI), the Liaison to New Students. They implemented a pairing program for new students, partnering them with students who came to the school at a similar time in their Fieldston career. Kronengold and Stokes are also encouraging new students to join clubs and affinity groups, as they can be a great way to meet new people.
Addressing current events
“Everything has had a huge effect on people in different ways,” noted Stokes. Over the summer, there was an Instagram account called, “Black at Fieldston.” From the time that the account was made to now, institutionally, nothing has changed and the class presidents are trying their best to fix that. In an attempt to lessen the negative effects of current events on the student body, the class presidents are working with their cabinet and three mental health secretaries to highlight the importance of mental health.
Intensive classes
Stokes and Kronengold are aware of the challenges that moving between levels of a class can present. They are encouraging students to have more open discussions with their teachers about placement and their mental wellbeing. To address diversity concerns, a mentorship program in which middle school students are paired with high school students will be implemented. Additionally, a trial period for students to test out the different levels of a class is being considered.
Transparency
“The fact is that we don’t even get emails, our parents get them,” mentioned Kronengold. The two presidents are dedicated to making sure that they are as open and honest as possible with the student body. To foster a positive relationship with the student body, the class presidents will periodically send a letter to the high school explaining the initiatives that the cabinet and representatives are working on.
