FBISD Student Leaders Learn About Judicial System

The seminar was the third in a series of six that will be offered to the leadership class this school year. The students met with several county court officials to learn about their roles in the community and how the county judicial system works. J. C. Whitten, Director of Administrative Services, welcomed students and shared information about the court structure of Texas before leading students on a tour of the courthouse. County Court at Law Judge Sandy Bielstein, spoke to students about criminal law and the importance of being law abiding citizens. He recommended that students associate themselves with positive peer groups, who will help improve their lives rather than destroy them. Students also heard from Larry Elkins, Juvenile Probation Officer; and Mike Mead, Chief Juvenile Probation Officer, who gave students a tour of the Juvenile Probation Facilities.  

“Students received a real and honest prospective on the judicial system,” said FBISD Board Member, Susan Hohnbaum. “It was definitely an eye-opening experience that students could appreciate and share with their peers. They are very fortunate to be among a group of students to receive this type of learning experience.”

The January leadership seminar also included a “Lead with your Strengths” lesson, taught by Olwen Herron, FBISD Chief Accountability and Organizational Development Officer; and Beth Martinez, FBISD Director of Organizational Development. The lesson was based on the StrengthsFinder online assessment from The Gallup Organization that students completed following their initial meeting in November. The lessons are intended to help students pinpoint their strengths (described as talents combined with knowledge and skill) and explore how those strengths can enhance their leadership potentials. Herron reminded students that “strengths that allow you to have a positive impact on the people around you are worth reflection.”

“This whole experience has proven to be both enlightening and fun for students as well as Board Members,” said Laurie Caldwell, FBISD Board Member. “Board members generally don’t have the opportunity to interact with students on a regular basis, and that was one of our main reasons for initiating this leadership program. We also wanted to give students the opportunity to be involved in learning opportunities that would expose them to various leadership roles that are represented throughout our community.”

The remaining student leadership seminars will focus on the topics of youth advocacy, service and volunteerism, environmental awareness and health care.