By Sally, Deb, Amy, & Leinana
Leading up to Election Day, Middle School students were invited to participate in a week-long series of challenges, which included memorizing and reciting the Preamble of the Constitution and taking a quiz on the Bill of Rights. This culminated in a “Celebrating Democracy” themed teach-in on Election Day, where students engaged in various workshops that focused on the democratic process and the importance of civic participation.
The day began with a Middle School assembly featuring performances of “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” followed by an advisory trivia contest centered around democracy and the upcoming election. Before heading to their workshops, students reflected on this quotation by John Adams: “Liberty cannot be preserved without a general knowledge among the people, who have a right…and a desire to know.”
The teach-in also allowed teachers to educate students about topics beyond their usual classroom subjects, areas in which the teachers are equally passionate and knowledgeable. Each student participated in three workshops of their choice. Some of the topics included:
- Understanding The Electoral College
- Graphs and Data of Elections and Polling
- Democracy and Elections in Israel
- Facts or Fake News?
- State and local elections
- Youth activism/vote
By teaching students about elections, we aim to nurture informed citizens who are conscious of their rights and responsibilities. This is also an opportunity to promote critical thinking and curiosity about current events and demonstrate to students how their voices can have an important impact on shaping the future.
We rounded out the day with Student Council elections including an assembly where students heard from student council candidates and voted for their representatives. Congratulations to the new student leaders!
Student Council is a collection of middle school students who run for office to serve and represent the Middle School student body. They strive to create meaningful and fun experiences for the students while learning to work as a small government. Events hosted by the Student Council include the Middle School Opening Assembly, Winter Game Night, Spring Fling, Closing Assembly, and a party
In addition, Student Council works to bring ideas from their respective grades to the larger community. These changes have included fundraising for the water cooler on the 2nd floor, purchasing new recess materials for the Sky Deck, and working with the administration to consider programming ideas. The Student Council is also used as a think tank by the broader Rodeph Sholom School Community. Last year they worked with the Parents Associate on Skate Night and other PA events. They also met with our new food service provider to share ideas and wishes for the new food service.
Mazel tov to the student leadership and thank you to the humanities team for organizing such an enjoyable, enlightening celebration of our democratic process.
