Return to 2025 SoEs

Independent Elementary School

Castro Valley, California

Principal: Patrick Hansen Schmitt
Advisors: Nikki Cox, Lisa Breault
Student Council Officers: 0

Projects

“No Place for Hate: Building a Culture of Inclusion and Acceptance”

The school’s No Place for Hate initiative was designed to foster an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming school culture. Through a series of three student-led activities, we empowered students to explore diversity, identity, and the impact of symbols while actively promoting kindness and acceptance.

The project involved three key activities that engaged the entire school community:

  1. Diversity Doll Activity
  2. Multicultural Night
  3. Power of Symbols Lesson

Together, these activities helped our school earn and maintain its No Place for Hate designation for the seventh consecutive year. Through interactive learning, student-led initiatives, and family engagement, this project reinforced our school’s commitment to fostering a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all.

“Student-Led Monthly Assemblies”

Our Student-Led Monthly Assemblies initiative empowers student leaders to take an active role in shaping school culture while developing public speaking, teamwork, and organizational skills. Each month, Student Council members plan and implement a school-wide assembly that delivers important messages, reinforces our school’s values, and celebrates student achievements.

The assemblies are entirely student-run, with older students leading the planning, speaking, and presentation aspects, while younger students observe and gradually take on more responsibilities. This model fosters mentorship, leadership growth, and collaboration across grade levels.

 Through this initiative, students gain confidence in leadership roles, develop strong communication skills, and contribute to a positive school environment. The assemblies not only educate and inspire the student body but also create a culture where students feel seen, valued, and motivated to contribute to their school community.