Calvin Coolidge student enjoys his voting rights
John McCain adds another dramatic comeback to his political career by snatching a last minute victory from Barack Obama in the Calvin Coolidge School’s mock election. By a slim but uncontested margin, John McCain has been elected the next president of the United States by students. On an emotional level, this is just as exciting as the general presidential election to be held next week.
Students across the nation, and particularly students here in Wyckoff, have taken part in a national mock election aimed at raising awareness of the civic responsibility in voting. But it goes far beyond a lesson in civics as the time spent prior to the actual voting is filled with academic exercises that provide students with a tangible opportunity to exercise their debate and analytical skills. Coolidge’s principal Robert Famularo, along with their teachers, turned one of the most dramatic presidential contests in recent American history into a learning experience that will surely have a lasting impact. Although a record number of young voters are expected at the polls this Tuesday, it’s local efforts like this which will make registering to vote a reflexive action as the new generation develops respect for the process and an eagerness to participate.
More than 7.5 million students at about 12,000 schools nationwide are expected to vote. In Wyckoff, Coolidge students voted 186 for McCain to 176 for Obama.
The vote may have been split, but all the students were on the winning side in that they learned from, and participated in, the process. Each grade level had age appropriate activities which ranged from an introduction to democratic ideals, to more advanced exercises in the debating of issues confronting the candidates. Principal Famularo explains the importance of the schools efforts by saying,
“The teaching of civic responsibilities and citizenship are paramount in the overall development of students in school today. As educators we must not neglect the importance of teaching children about our nation’s history and about the rights and responsibilities we have as citizens of the United States. This year, students at Coolidge School became informed voters while learning about the election process, the issues and the candidates. I am hopeful that we have inspired children to make positive contributions to society and have fostered in them a desire to become leaders throughout their lives.”
Student Council President Sarah Scire Votes
Calvin Coolidge already had their own school elections which resulted in Sarah Scire assuming the position of Student Council President. It was Sarah who announced the McCain Obama vote tallies to the school’s student body the day after the election. She reflects the qualities of an experienced leader in her comments below which exhibit both a need to work on practical issues while also motivating fellow students towards higher goals.
“Our Student Council has many fun and interesting activities planned for this year. Along with the famous and very popular Pajama Day and the upcoming traditional Halloween Candy Donation Fund for charity, we will also be hosting an exciting, new activity. This year, we will be holding an historic election, just like the real Presidential one. This will help our students understand how important it is to vote and get involved with our government. I hope that all of these activities are excellent experiences for our students.”
Janeen Ten Kate, a 4th grade teacher, and the Student Council Advisor, expressed her own special perspective on the election as a learning tool.
“Our goal as educators is to guide our students to develop their own thoughts and become informed citizens. The upcoming election has afforded us the great opportunity to implement many lessons that deal with the election process, from the primary elections to Election Day. Students have gained greater insight on issues that affect them and where both candidates stand on these critical issues. The Mock Election allows our entire school, K-5, to cast a ballot based on whom they feel would best run our country. This hands-on, authentic learning experience is a tried and true way to reach our youngest learners, and someday voters! “
The Computer Lab led by Jodi Levine is not just about learning technology, but about using technology to learn. In the computer lab, lessons from the classroom teacher regarding the election are also used to initiate many thought-provoking lessons. As Jodi mentions below, it’s a teaching opportunity that comes every four years, but the students learn lessons they use everyday.
“At every grade level it is important to help children learn what it means to live in a democracy, how to be a responsible citizen, and which issues are most important to them, their family, their school and the society in which they live. We need to help make children aware of their civic responsibilities and that they can be an integral part of the community. At least every four years, we as teachers have a responsibility to help all our students in grades K-5 to understand what makes our country special and to explain the importance of voting and the entire Presidential Election process”
Principal Faularo, Sarah Scire, Caroline Wallace and Sebastian Varela - Student Council Members
Sarah Scire, the Student Council President, offers some insight that the entire country can take to heart after the election of our new president. She captures the spirit of a good leader when she comments,”What is really important to me is not my special title and the role I play, but being able to do some nice things for my school and my community.”
Principal Famularo offered his own leadership skills as an example to students and voters alike. Prior to the voting, he discussed the importance of voting in a democracy. Then, he led the school community in the Pledge of Allegiance. After the votes are counted, E pluribus unum is the American motto.
The video below is another famous leader from Arizona who served America with distinction in a different branch of the government. She offers her opinion on the importance of the mock elections held by schools across the country.
