We've all got problems and issues, even elementary and junior-high school students.

And while they may seem trivial to adults, the Dolores School board knows they are just as important.

For a second year, the Dolores School board conducted a town hall meeting with the student body. The effort is part of a plan to improve communication with the community after some strife a few years ago.

Every student and teacher had an opportunity to meet with board members during a three-hour-long session in the main gym.

"Tell us your hopes and dreams for your school," said Superintendent Scott Cooper.

For elementary students, lunch and recess rose to the top of the list.

They want to bring back chocolate milk, more drink choices like orange juice, and more access to the salad bar.

"I think they should try making kale chips," says Kayla Talmadge, a fourth-grader.

Student Chandler Smith wants the schedule to change so they don't miss recess on days there is art class.

"Also, the swing sets should be switched because the one for elementary is too high, and the one for older students is too low," she said.

Lance Lyons wants a filter changed on a drinking fountain. Others said the bathroom soap was too rough.

Students discussed distractions in classes and on the bus such as cellphones, video games and toys.

"Students need to talk with each other and work out solutions about issues they have," said board member Joye McHenry.

Students told board member Dee Prock that they wanted to build a coat tree in the playground "so they don't get in trouble for coats being left on the ground."

Also more pillows are needed in the computer room so younger students can reach the keyboard. Brighter colors were requested for classrooms and cafeteria.

A clique of junior high students sat down and said they wanted a coffee bar put in, more sports and music programs.

"Emphasize bringing in a string class," said eight-grader Cael McHenry. "We would love to be able to play concerts, too."

A cross-country track would be nice, students said, and it should be put in one of the town's parks so everyone in the community could use it. Sports such as soccer and lacrosse should be added, they said.

"Think about how many are interested and who you would play - there are not too many lacrosse teams around here," Prock said.

Student Thaddeus Lee wants a BMX track to be built in town.

"It gives students something to do so they don't get in trouble," he said.

The informal town hall meetings are effective for airing teacher concerns in a less intimidating format than a board meeting.

At the meetings last year ,administration learned that new teachers were receiving higher pay than those that had been there awhile.

"We heard about it at these meetings and made pay adjustments to make it more equitable," said board member Deanna Truelsen.

jmimiaga@cortezjournal.com