RSU 21 Community News 11-1-24
Dear RSU 21 Community,
Welcome to our new newsletter format! We are excited to roll this platform out to all schools across the district, so be looking out for a fresh new look in their newsletters very soon.
Of course, Election Day is just around the corner and earlier this week, our high school students participated in the statewide mock election (and our MSK students will vote in their mock election this coming Tuesday). Through this hands-on experience, students learned about the voting process, discussed current issues, and cast their own ballots, making for an engaging and meaningful exercise in civic engagement. The mock election allowed students to cast votes on the same issues and candidates that Maine voters will be deciding on Tuesday. It’s exciting to see our students take an interest in the democratic process, and the results showed thoughtful engagement and strong opinions on many issues. Teachers facilitated classroom discussions about civic responsibility, the importance of informed voting, and how government decisions impact communities.
We know that election season can spark a lot of discussion, so here are some helpful strategies to talk with your children about the real election results and reflect on their own experiences in the mock election.
1. Celebrate Their Participation
Acknowledge and celebrate the fact that they participated in a mock election. By engaging in this process, they’re contributing to a foundation of lifelong civic involvement.
2. Focus on the Importance of Voting
Highlight how voting allows citizens to voice their views on leadership and community values. This is a great time to remind students why elections matter and that their voices will be crucial as they become eligible to vote.
3. Discuss the Concept of Different Opinions
In a democracy, people have diverse perspectives, and it's natural for family members or friends to see things differently. Teaching children that respectful disagreement is part of civic life can help them handle differences of opinion with maturity.
4. Model Positive Dialogue
Whether the actual election results align with personal views or not, discussing the results calmly and with respect shows children how to handle outcomes constructively.
Thank you for supporting our students' civic education. Together, let’s keep fostering a respectful, informed, and active community of future voters!
Much love,
Terri Cooper
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