As Americans went to the polls this week, so too did students in Sherman ISD. Several schools held mock elections and other activities to teach students about the political process, voting rights and our responsibilities as citizens in a democracy.
At Fairview Elementary, students in each grade level voted in the “primaries” the week prior to Election Day, where they each selected one Specials (music, art, P.E.) teacher and one grade level teacher to represent them on Election Day. Then when the big day arrived, every student voted for one teacher who they felt would best represent the school as Fairview Elementary President.
“This is the first year we’ve held elections like this to teach students about community leadership skills,” said Fairview Principal Julee West. “Every grade level has required TEKS or state curriculum about the voting system, so this process gives them real-life experience from nominating a representative to choosing a president.”
West said teachers on the ballot even got a little competitive, creating posters to show students how political campaigns can both inform them and persuade their vote. Students were excited to go through the process, though it was tough for some to choose only one candidate to vote for.
Fifth grader Atalie Johnson was an undecided voter coming into Election Day.
“I ended up voting for my teacher, Ms. Wade,” Johnson said. “I think she’s a nice teacher and she lets us do activities in class.”
Third grader Caden Nash said it was a difficult decision because he likes all the teachers on the ballot.
“It’s down to three teachers for me: Ms. Hawkins, Ms. Wade and Ms. Guedea,” Nash said. “Ms. Guedea’s class has a lot of fun, Ms. Wade is a really good reading teacher and, well, Ms. Hawkins is my teacher.”
Students reflected on how cool it was for kids to vote on Election Day and have their voices heard.
“It’s important to vote because you need a leader to hold everything together,” fifth grader Kellen Atnip said. “It feels pretty good to have a voice in that.”
Like some students, Atnip came to the polls with a plan.
“I know Ms. Hawkins because she is my mom’s friend, so I voted for her.”
After all the votes were counted, first grade teacher Ms. Guedea won by just 6 votes.
