About an hour in to my school day, I realized what a good mood I was in. At first I thought it was because I was having a good hair day and liked the outfit I chose to wear. But then I realized it was because I got up early and exercised my right to have a voice in our government. I was at the polls at 5:45 a.m. so I could vote, go home and get ready for the day, and then get off to work.
When I got to the school I was teaching at, I saw a good portion of the students wearing red and blue and talking to one another about McCain/Obama. As it turns out, they were to dress in their party colors, they were having a mock election today, and to end the day, there was an assembly.
The assembly was terrific and just right for middle school students. They sat in sections of the gym according to who they voted for. They were taught that even if their candidate had different ideas than the opposing candidate, they were to be respectful and show good citizenship. Then they watched a mock debate of McCain/Palin vs. Obama/Biden. There were 4 students dressed up as the candidates with a moderator. They were asked questions and were to answer as their candidate would have. I was extremely impressed with how articulate they were and what they knew about their candidate. The band played a few pieces of patriotic music and then the remainder of the assembly was devoted to Veteran's Day, which we will be celebrating next week.
They had several veterans--family members of students--who served in the Armed Forces speak and then they showed a Veterans Day power point presentation.
It made me glad once again that I am an American. I found myself getting choked up as we sang the National Anthem and said the Pledge of Allegiance. Regardless of the outcome of the election, I am grateful for the rights and privileges I have as a citizen of the United States.
*In addition to all of this, it does my heart good to see that citizenship and loyalty to country are still being taught in school.
16 comments:
Great post Lauri, and I am so glad you had a good hair and outfit day! I love those!!
I know what you mean about getting choked up, I felt a wee bit emotional and proud to be an American just standing in line to vote this morning on my way in to work as well. It is a very empowering thing to know that we have that special right as a US citizen.
That is a nice process for a school. Roxanne has been able to take government and economics in school this year. What a great year to see some application of what you are learning. YAY for good teachers.
Wow.. what an awesome event for the school to put on. I am impressed.
I remember doing that in 6th grade. It was the year that Ross Perot was running and an independent actually had a chance at presidency. There were three 6th grade classes and each class was assigned a candidate (and the color to got with it). I was picked to debate as Bill Clinton.
I learned A LOT about how presidents are elected and what to look for in a candidate... information I still remember and use today.
I'm glad your school is showing loyalty to the country. It's too bad the candidate currently leading this election doesn't show the same loyalty. I think I might throw up... as soon as I'm finished crying. And when that's over, I'll move to Canada.
Nice post Lauri. It was a day to go down in history! And for me, all of my children, my husband and son in law...all voted!!!
God Bless America!
Brent and I spent a good part of the day in a polling place today. (As part of Prop 8, we were there to get updates on who had voted so we could pass that information on to people who would call and remind voters to get to the polls to vote.) Anyway, it was nice to see the polling place full of people all day long.
Loved your post. Election Day always makes me feel proud and patriotic. Sounds like the school you were at had a great program. I voted early and missed the whole "going to the polls" process this year, but last night, watching the returns, I was just very proud to be an American because so many of my fellow Americans got involved in the election process this year. I think it was just wonderful!
I love this land and echo all you said. It is sad that the new President isn't as appreciative as we are...sadly...
Sounds like an awesome assembly.
But I think I'll follow Katie and move to Canada.
amen to everything you said! :) That is wonderful that the kids were so in to it and well informed. They are our future! :) (sounds like a song I've heard somewhere....)
Today the election is over and Obama is the President elect. In our home there are some who voted for him and some who did not. Last night was hard for the some who did not. With that said it was inspiring to see people get involved and exercise their right to vote. I am going to try to be supportive and positive. It may take me a while :)
Jeff and I may only have politics in common. If I'm going to fix a "fancy" meal - I'll throw a steak on the grill and bake a potato. I also did not know the names of the foods he was asking you to ingest. And what kind of restaurants serve those foods, cause I've been to both Rosa's AND Outback and focaccia was not on the menu.
Hi Lauri,
I went to our new Tai Pan yesterday! Wow, wow, wow!!!!
I wish you could go with me! It was so much fun, I almost hyperventilated!!! Thanks for all of your kind words about my cakes too!
I love the mock election via clothing colors. Very cool.
What a cool thing for your school to do! Most schools would probably dub that as politically incorrect or something.
Sounds like a really cool day, not to mention good hair/outfit day!
I enjoyed your post, and I also am grateful for my privilege to vote. We went to Snowflake this weekend so celebrate having our brother-n-law back from Iraq after 15 months. We are grateful for his safe return.
Debie
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