W.R. McNeill Elementary
Student Council Elections
To: 4th & 5th Grade Teachers
Re: Please announce to your Homeroom on Wednesday, August 29th.
The McNeill Student Council is in need of some dedicated and creative officers to lead
our Student Body this school year. The President and Vice-President will come from
the 5th grade, and the Secretary and Treasurer will be elected from the 4th grade.
A list of responsibilities and criteria for the offices is on the back side of this paper.
Please go over these and also the criteria for becoming a candidate with your students.
Any student that is interested needs to be given a copy of the Elections Information
packet.
ESSAYS AND PERMISSION SLIPS ARE DUE BY THE END
OF THE DAY ON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5th, 2012!!
Election speeches will be heard in the gym at 9:00 am on Wednesday, September
12th, 2012. All 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders will listen to the speeches and then vote for
officers immediately afterwards.
If there are any questions, please see Mrs. Griffith or Mrs. Soyars.
THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!
Tara Griffith & Beth Soyars
Student Council Sponsors
President
The president must attend all meetings. These are the president’s responsibilities.
 Report directly to the advisor(s), who must confirm/approve plans.
 Work with fellow officers to plan meetings and set agendas and notify those who may be
required to attend the meetings.
 Lead all meetings.
 Delegate responsibilities for projects to officers and representatives.
 Maintain responsibility for the meetings and establish deadlines.
 Serve as spokesperson and role model for the Student Council & McNeill Elementary.
 Approve financial expenditures.
Vice President
The vice president must attend all meetings. The vice president’s responsibilities are listed here.
 Report to the advisor(s), as requested by the president.
 Assume leadership for the president in any role he/she cannot fulfill or in any role that is
requested.
 Attend all meetings and actively participate in planning, assisting with delegation of
responsibilities, and implementing activities and programs.
 Serve as spokesperson and role model for the Student Council & McNeill Elementary.
 Serve as public relations contact.
Secretary
The secretary must attend all meetings and fulfill these responsibilities.
 Keep accurate records of each meeting, including attendance, and take notes during each
meeting. Then provide a copy to all officers and attendees as well as to the advisor.
 Maintain chapter correspondences and other contacts in the community.
 Assume the duties of the vice president when requested.
 Work with other officers to plan meetings.
 Post meeting and activity times and places.
 Actively participate in planning and implementing chapter activities and programs.
Treasurer
The treasurer must attend all meetings. These are the treasurer’s responsibilities.
 Keep account of all chapter income and expenses.
 Provide an up-to-date report of chapter finances at each meeting.
 Work with other officers to plan meetings.
 Actively participate in planning and implementing chapter activities and programs.
Class Representatives
The class representatives must attend all meetings and fulfill the following responsibilities.
 Represent his/her grade level and serve as primary role model for that class.
 Recruit classmates to help with projects.
 Provide information about Student Council & school events to classmates.
 Attend various meetings as requested.
W.R. McNeill Elementary
Student Council Elections Information
The McNeill Student Council needs the following:
President - - 5th Grader
Secretary - - 4th Grader
Vice-President - - 5th Grader
Treasurer - - 4th Grader
If you think you have what is takes to be a responsible, energetic Student Council
officer, here’s what you have to do:
 Write an Essay that answers the following questions utilizing your best thinking and
writing skills.
o Which position are you applying for? Explain why you are a good candidate
for that officer position.
o Tell about yourself. What type of leadership experiences have you had both in
school and in the community?
o If you could make ONE improvement at McNeill, what would it be any why?
o How do you respond when people don’t agree with your ideas?
o Student Council raises money every year to benefit our school. Please explain
how you think this money should be used and why.
 Give the questions serious thought before answering. Essays must be typed and
printed out on white paper. Only completed essays will be accepted. NOTE: The
information provided in your essay could be used as part of your election speech.
 All Essays and Parent Permission Slip forms must be turned in to Mrs. Griffith in the
Library by the end of the school day on Wednesday, September 5th, 2012.
 Students MUST follow the campaign procedures or they will be disqualified from the
election.
 Election speeches will be heard in the gym at 9:00 am on Wednesday, September
12th, 2012. All 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders will listen to the speeches and then vote for
officers immediately afterwards.
W.R. McNeill Elementary
Student Council Campaign Procedures
1. You may make 3 posters for your campaign for office (banners included.) Do not
exceed three total posters and/or banners.
2. Posters go up on Thursday, September 6th and must come down after speeches
are given on Wednesday, September 12th. All posters should be attached with
masking tape only.
3. Speeches will be held in the gym at 9:00 am on Wednesday, September 12th, for
grades 3 – 5.
4. Please follow the guidelines for giving a speech. Note cards are suggested as a
way to help you stay organized.
5. You need to “dress to impress” because appearance does make a difference!
6. You need to support the candidate that wins the election! Show GOOD
SPORTSMANSHIP at all times!
7. A candidate may not spend over $5.00 on supplies. Receipts for all supplies used
must be turned in to Mrs. Griffith by no later than Tuesday, September 11th.
8. A candidate may not hand out stickers, pencils, candy, buttons, etc. No bribes
allowed!
9. Only a candidate’s photo can appear in campaign posters.
10. Students are not allowed to wear shirts, hats, etc. as a way to campaign or
promote their candidacy.
 Failure to abide by these rules will cause you to be disqualified
from the election!!
Student Council Officer Responsibilities
1. Attend ALL meetings. Two unexcused absences will result in dismissal from the
Council.
2. Contribute time and effort to help make each Student Council sponsored activity
the best it can be, including: Annual Traditions, Extra Fun Activities, Fundraisers,
Community Service, Publicity, etc.
3. Act responsibly at all meetings and activities/events and as a leader at W.R.
McNeill Elementary.
4. Keep grades as high as possible. A “C” average is required, but higher is
encouraged.
5. Good citizenship is a must. Student Council is a team.
6. Solicit input from your classmates. You ARE their representative.
7. Perform all assigned responsibilities at activities/events.
________________________________________________________________
Please return this section in your application packet, which is due to Mrs. Griffith
on or before 3:00 pm, Wednesday, September 5th, 2012.
Student Council Officer Parent Permission Slip
Student Name: ______________________________________
We are aware that our daughter/son is a candidate for Student Council Officer at W.R.
McNeill Elementary. We have gone over Officer Responsibilities and understand that
these positions require effort, diligence, and leadership qualities. We also understand
that failure to perform the specific duties that have been outlined may result in our
son’s/daughter’s dismissal.
We further acknowledge the fact that parents are an integral part of Student Council’s
success and whenever the need arises, we will be willing to provide transportation for
our daughter’s/son’s meetings and special events. We also realize that we may be
asked to volunteer to chaperone special events.
______________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
_________________
Date