“Student engagement is one of our key priorities at Trillium Lakelands,” stated Director of Education, Larry Hope. “I am pleased to see such a variety of ideas generated by students. It will be exciting to watch these projects being implemented in our schools.”

Ranging from fitness, a native species garden, and a boys night to a GSA (Gay Straight Alliance) and a “math boost”, project development must follow a specific process which includes a pre- and post-survey.

“This opportunity allows our students to provide leadership in the school,” stated Board Chair, Karen Round. “When our students are engaged in this way we know this leads to achievement and success for all students.”

An added plus for Trillium Lakelands District School Board is that 88 students participating in funded SpeakUp projects which have a clear research component are invited to attend the upcoming Education Research Symposium being held at St. Michaels College, University of Toronto, February 22 and 23, 2012. This year’s theme for the symposium is “Research Impact.”

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