Fred A. Toomer Elementary School

Parent Guide to Student Government Association (SGA)

It's election season – but not the kind with endless ads, donation requests, and rivalry. At Toomer, our Student Government Association campaign is all about students working together, practicing leadership and cooperation, and making our school (and world) a better place. It’s pure positivity, creative teamwork, and very much in the spirit of our IB values!

The SGA gives students a voice to help make our school a better place while learning leadership skills, responsibility, and teamwork. This guide is for parents and community members to understand the SGA, election process, roles, campaign rules, and projects.

What is the SGA?

The Student Government Association is a group of students who represent their peers, work with school leaders, and lead projects to improve our school and community. They share student ideas and concerns with the Principal and Assistant Principals and help plan fun and meaningful activities.

SGA Positions

There are 11 total positions:

• One Grade Level Representative for each grade level (K-5)

• One Representative from each MOID classroom

• President

• Vice President

• Secretary

SGA Roles & Responsibilities

President

• Lead meetings with the student advisor

• Help plan meeting agendas

• Lead SGA projects and activities

• Make decisions in case of voting ties

• Attend all meetings unless excused

Vice President

• Support the President and fill in if needed

• Help plan agendas and lead projects

• Attend all meetings unless excused

Secretary

• Take notes and attendance at meetings

• Share important information at meetings

Grade Level and MOID Representatives

• Voice concerns and ideas from their classmates

• Work to solve grade-level problems

• Attend at least five of seven meetings

How Candidates Are Nominated

• Class Representatives: Each class votes for a peer who best reflects the school values of being safe, respectful, and responsible. Those four from each grade run for Grade Level Representative. Then, all students in the grade level vote for their rep.

• President, Vice President, Secretary: Fourth and fifth graders are eligible. The admin team reviews applications and selects students to interview. After interviews, 3–4 students are nominated for each SGA officer role. The entire school community votes to select student leaders.

Student voice and choice are at the heart of the process. Students nominate, campaign, and vote for the leaders who will represent them!

Election Process

1. Class Elections: Students in each class vote for a class representative who embodies our school values and demonstrates positive leadership qualities.

2. Campaigning: Class representatives campaign to run for Grade Level Representative.

3. Grade Level Vote: Each grade votes for one Grade Level Representative from the candidates.

4. President, Vice President, Secretary Candidacy: Fifth grade students can run for President. Fourth and fifth graders can run for Vice President and Secretary by submitting applications, recommendations, and participating in interviews. The administration selects finalists for voting.

5. Final Voting: Students vote for their preferred President, Vice President, and Secretary candidates.

Campaign Rules

• Candidates may campaign with posters, videos, speeches, and interviews.

• All content must be school appropriate — no profanity, name-calling, or mean images.

• Food (even the yummiest kinds) cannot be used for campaigning.

Timeline: SGA Elections & Activities

• Class Representatives Selected: Every class their reps the week of before Thanksgiving break.

• President, Vice President, Secretary

  • Before Thanksgiving Break: Applications Due & Students Were Notified of Next Round

  • Before Thanksgiving Break: Interviews

  • Before Thanksgiving Break: Final Candidates Selected

• Campaigning: Early December

• Schoolwide Elections: Before Semester Break

SGA Meetings: Our student government meets during the school day from 7:45 am – 8:15 am, ensuring every student can participate without transportation worries.

SGA Leadership – The IB Learner Profile in Action

At Toomer, SGA leaders shine by demonstrating not just “what it takes” to lead, but by embodying the qualities valued in IB schools and our community. SGA looks for students who are:

• Principled: Honest, fair, respectful, and responsible in their words and actions.

• Caring: Kind, compassionate, and willing to help others on campus and in the community.

• Open-minded: Willing to listen to new ideas and include everyone, embracing different cultures and viewpoints.

• Communicators: Confident in sharing ideas and also great listeners — in meetings, projects, or debates.

• Reflective: Able to think about what’s working, what could be better, and grow from experiences.

• Inquirers and Thinkers: Curious and thoughtful problem-solvers, always looking for new ways to improve our school.

• Collaborative: Ready to work with others, include different perspectives, and build team spirit.

SGA leaders are expected to inspire those around them, act with empathy, show integrity, and help make Toomer a welcoming and positive place for all.

Student Projects

Last year’s SGA led a community service project to create snack packs and hygiene kits for people experiencing homelessness. This year’s exciting initiative is Operation Clean Cougars – a student-led plan to keep our school clean by working with custodians, making signs, and encouraging everyone to take pride in the bathroom, lunchroom, and hallways.

How You Can Support

• Please encourage your child to participate or support candidates.

• Remind your child to follow campaign rules and be respectful.

• Ask your child about SGA meetings and projects.

• Volunteer or support SGA initiatives with the school if possible.

Contact

For questions about the SGA or election process, please contact Ms. Cooper at jabria.cooper@atlanta.k12.ga.us.

Thank you for supporting Toomer Elementary’s student leaders!