Changes at FWPA have been discussed many times. Students have been complaining that FWPA’s traditions and events are not entertaining as they used to be. Dances and fundraisers have been decreasing from participation.
During this year, all 6th through 9th grade students did a survey about changes needed at FWPA. 79% of students surveyed said that “Yes, FWPA does need changes.” They suggested more sports events, saving money, and entertaining events/traditions that would make FWPA interesting.
When coming to FWPA’s dances, everyone enjoys coming together with friends and classmates. They love to dance, sing, eat food, and express themselves while enjoying a fun event. However, recently, students at FWPA haven’t been participating at FWPA’s school dances. Students think the dances are less enjoyable and the whole vibe of everyone being at the dances feels awkward.
Students have been saying that FWPA’s dances are repeatedly playing the same music and food with nothing new exciting. This year, teachers and ASB executives went down from 3 to 2 dances because of less participation from students. “I really wanted the dances to be more entertaining. It’s literally so boring. The dances should include more cool effects, new music, more hype, and make something new for once. Every dance feels like it’s been repeated but the theme of the dance,” Alynni Cruz explained. This student suggested adding different music, food, and decorations to make more dances engaging. Even though students appreciate FWPA’s dances, some believe improvements could make it more fun.
Doing fundraisers at FWPA helps ASB buy materials that are needed for events and traditions. The specific clubs that do fundraisers like ASB, gather students’ ideas to buy materials to make events interesting. ASB and other clubs provide help to their supported club. However, students are not interested in paying money for fundraisers.
Students have low participation in fundraisers. Students from 6th through 9th grade did say they enjoy fundraising but ASB and other clubs wonder why there is low participation. Is it because fundraisers have been repeated most of the time? Is the fundraiser not interesting to students? “When doing fundraisers, I wonder if we are sharing enough deadlines and are we getting students excited about the fundraiser. I feel like it’s more of a lack of engagement and a lack of product. For example, the pinata party. Why are students not paying $5 to participate? What is the primary reason why students do not engage?” Mrs. Thornton asked.
Students believed that creating new fundraiser ideas works better than repeating the same activities every year. They want to engage by creating interesting reward systems and competitions to make students feel more excited. Students do value fundraisers that FWPA has created, but hope for more recommended ideas.
Throughout the school, students took a survey that had a list of participation questions of new events and traditions they would be involved in. The highest votes from ranking 1st to 3rd was escape room day, scavenger hunt, and game tournaments. Students did have other suggestions but these new events were highly recommended from 6th through 9th grade students.
Many students suggested listening to students’ opinions could improve school spirit and increase participation in FWPA. “Probably more variety activities because I feel like students want something inactive and creative. Also, giving out different prizes,” Victoria Lisitsyn said.
Although participation has been low, students continue to share ideas of creating new fundraisers, events, and traditions at FWPA. With more planning and more student involvement, FWPA may be able to bring back excitement, increase participation, and strengthen school spirit and community.
