To strengthen North’s views on identity and what it means to be a North Knight, a group of staff and students have been formed to help voice and better the school’s culture.
The Josten’s Culture and Climate Leadership Group was formed to further share North’s wide variety of values and beliefs that tell the story of the community and the school itself. The identity of a school helps represent all students and staff by showing their connection with the entirety of Grayslake North.
“I think it’s a really good group because it’s all about leadership, showing kindness to others, and what it means to be a Knight,” said group member and senior Jacqui Cordova-Marquina. “We enforce our new motto ‘Stand Up!’ to show the whole school how we include them.”
The creation of “Stand Up!” is a big part of Grayslake North because of its simple mannerism of telling all staff and students that everyone has a voice. While figuring out the motto, the group asked staff and students via a survey what it means to be a Knight. The Jostens company then went through all the answers and formed the new motto with collaboration from the group’s staff leaders.
“Other schools have their own identity or mottos, but I think ours is unique and different from other schools that just use identifying characteristics or words,” said group sponsor and activities director Keeley Naughton.
The group has done things like decorating small clothes pins with positive words and then giving them to students and staff to put on their ID lanyards. What the group has been planning recently is giving out hot refreshments, like hot chocolate, to the school’s bus drivers to show their appreciation for all that they do for Grayslake North.
“This group helps build student and staff relationships based on trust and mutual respect, as well as supporting positive peer relationships,” said group sponsor and associate principal Megan Licht.
Since the Josten’s Culture and Climate Leadership Group is relatively new, they are always looking for more students to join. The group is a great representation of the school’s student body. If you are interested in joining, reach out to Mrs. Naughton, Mr. Alger, or Mrs. Licht.
