And the legacy continues… Join the Cottonwood SBO Family!
Calling all future LEADERS of Cottonwood.
We are excited to announce the 2022 Student Body Officer Elections for the 2022-23 school year! On this page you will find important information about the election process and what is means to be an SBO at Cottonwood. We encourage any and all students interested in becoming a leader to create a campaign! Please reach out to Ms. Battista (room 211) or Mr. Merkley (room 213), or email them at tbattista@graniteschools.org, with any questions or concerns.
#GoColts #SBOFamily #ColtsAreGREAT #FutureLEADERSofCottonwood #HeedtheStampede
Election Information Meeting
If you were not able to attend our Virtual Information Meeting, please watch the recording above in its entirety. See Ms. Battista (room 211) or Mr. Merkley (room 213) with ANY questions or concerns about the election process, positions available or campaign requirements.
Intent to Run.
This form will acknowledge that you intend to run for a Student Body Officer position. Intent to Run forms were due March 7 and are now late. If you submit an Intent to Run from now until March 10, you will receive a 10% deduction in the application score. NO Late Intent forms will be accepted after March 10. Switching candidate positions is no longer permitted.
Requirements
ANY eligible Junior can run to be an SBO! We are looking for leaders, innovative thinkers and students who care about Cottonwood! An SBO cannot hold an executive leadership position in another organization at Cottonwood.
Academics
While there are academic requirements to be an SBO, if you feel like your second quarter grades are not reflective of your capabilities, please see an advisor. The requirement is a 3.0 GPA for Quarter 2. There are ways to petition for additional considerations regarding the GPA Requirement. If you would like to run but have a GPA lower than 3.0 for Quarter 2, see Ms. Battista or Mr. Merkley.
Dedication
With a mountain of support, SBO’s are the appointed leaders of Cottonwood. The activities, events, assemblies and initiatives take a significant amount of time to plan. An SBO is not eligible to hold an executive leadership position in another organization at Cottonwood. Being elected to Student Government is a commitment that you will need to dedicate a considerable amount of time in order to fulfill your roles and responsibilities.
Additionally, we will have a new SBO Trainings from 2:15 to 3:00 EVERY Wednesday afternoon through the end of this school year. You will be required to attend all of these trainings.
Summer Planning
In order to be prepared for events at the beginning of the school year, we will need to complete important planning during the Summer Break. On average, we spend anywhere from 15-20 days throughout the summer working on Student Government tasks. Additionally, there is a required SBO Camp that is scheduled for June 6-9.
Roles & Responsibilities
Voting Calculations
Candidate Portfolio
40%
The portfolios with be reviewed and scored by administration and advisors. Being prompt with your portfolio submission is important.
Application and Recommendations
20%
Ms. Battista will send out the recommendations. Your role is to follow up with your teachers to ensure they have filled out the form.
Student Popular Vote
40%
Voting will take place March 31 . Any current Cottonwood student, Freshman to Junior can vote for SBO’s. Seniors ARE able to vote.
The Portfolio
Leadership Academy
First and foremost, SBO’s are the student LEADERS of Cottonwood. As such, developing strong leadership skills is an important foundation. The completion of the Leadership Academy not only indicates your dedication to becoming a G.R.E.A.T Leader, it supports your development of necessary skills. There are 2 in-person days and 1 virtual day.
Resume
Your digital resume should include skills you possess and experience you have for the intended position. You will create a 1 page, creative and informative resume to highlight your abilities. This can be traditional resume style, an infographic, a Google Slides page or even a collage. Let your personality shine!
Video
This is a 1-minute speech introducing yourself to administration and the advisors. Your speech should outline your abilities and goals for the intended position. Try to be specific in what abilities you have, or want to develop, that showcase your leadership abilities. We have support from teachers if you need help with this.
Task & Scenario Response
As we reviewed above, for each position there are role specific responsibilities. For your portfolio, you will display your expertise for the position by showcasing your response to a task and a scenario. Each task is something you will encounter often within your position. Each scenario is modified from an actual event.
Click here for full portfolio directions and a description of the task & scenario for each position.
The Campaign
Video to Peers
30 seconds long
"Personality" & Initiatives
Must be a Youtube Video Link!
Digital Material
Photo
Social Media Posts
Digital Poster
Campaign Activities
5 Regular Posters, 2 Banners
Extended Announcements Speech & Questions
Lunch Time Survey 3/30 & 3/31
View the Campaign Rules for more detail on each component. Additionally, all campaign materials will be submitted through the Google Drive Folder. Make sure to follow instructions carefully to ensure your campaign is successful!
Election Packet
1.Digital Application
This will include basic contact information, your Statement of Intent and verification of your grades for Quarter 2.
2. Acknowledge SBO Expectations
3. Acknowledge Campaign Rules
4. Acknowledge SBO Commitment
5. Accept Google Drive Folder Invite
ELECTION PACKET LINKS
Expectations, Rules and Commitment Document
Accept Google Drive Folder
This will be an invitation from Ms. Battista to the email you provided on your Intent to Run form.
Campaign FAQs
How do I submit my campaign materials for approval?
Ms. Battista or Mr. Merkley will share a Google Drive folder with the email you provide in your Intent to Run form. All Campaign materials and portfolio submissions should be added to the folder. Make sure to label everything clearly.
What is the extended announcement speech & questions?
On March 18, Kolt News will be extended so the Student Body can “Meet the Candidates”. You will have 20 seconds to give a quick highlight of your initiatives for next year. This needs to be approved PRIOR to March 18. Then, you will respond to 1 question submitted by a current student at Cottonwood. You will receive the possible list of questions on March 16. This is an important event that will allow the students to see your leadership and personality!
When can I hang up my posters at school?
Once a poster has been approved by an SBO Advisor or current SBO, you may put it up starting at 2:15pm on March 25 . You may hang the poster on the brick surface walls using masking tape only. No duct tape or packing tape is permitted.
What if I can’t be at lunch to campaign 3/30 & 3/31?
While the lunch time campaign is required, extenuating circumstances could excuse you from the task. See Ms. Battista if you cannot attend one or both days of lunch. Remember, the interactions are valuable ways to earn votes!
Help is HERE!
Running a campaign and creating a professional portfolio can be overwhelming! We have several supports for each candidate.
Thursday March 17 and Thursday March 24: Professional Support from 3:30 to 6:30 Rooms 211 and 213
Teacher Mentor: See Ms. Battista for a teacher mentor who will help with posters, speeches, video creation and more!
Check your email daily. Ms. Battista and Mr. Merkley will provide updates, send reminders or contact you with any concerns.
Take It Step-by-Step
Declare Intent to Run
Using the link at the bottom of this page, fill out the information to declare your intent to run for office. Submit this by March 7. Candidates may change their position by 11:59pm on March 8.
Complete Election Packet
Using these links, complete your election packet:
Complete Leadership Academy
Using these links, complete the academy tasks:
In person- 3:30 to 4:30, Room 211
Virtual
In person- 3:30 to 4:30, Room 211
Submit Portfolio
Due March 25. NO Late portfolios will be accepted or graded.
Using the form provided to you, submit your portfolio components.
Submit portfolio components to the Google Drive Folder- Portfolio. See Ms. Battista or Mr. Merkley if you have any questions or concerns.
Final Step: Create Campaign Materials
Remember, all materials must be submitted through the Google Drive Folder by March 18.
