Choosing Hope
Though none of our Live Oak students are old enough to vote (yet), most are well aware of the upcoming election. They’ve seen mailboxes stuffed with postcards, noticed the campaign volunteers outside the market, and heard the advertising on TV. Some have joined their families in advocacy for a particular candidate or cause. Others have witnessed hotly debated topics at family gatherings. The election has risen as a topic of conversation in our studies of current events, social studies lessons, writing lessons, debate club, math class, and in the recess yard. Their curiosity leads to their learning.
Driven by our mission, Live Oak ensures that our students develop an understanding of and the skills to engage in the democratic process. They practice petitioning, campaigning, and voting. They research, debate and defend positions, and adopt guidelines for civil discourse. They develop an awareness of their responsibilities to their communities and they tap into the power that comes with their participation. They become leaders who can summon a following and followers who select principled positions. Many are eager to have their voices heard. They will all be ready when they have their turns to cast their ballots.
As empathetic souls, our students are likely to be sensing the hopes and worries that exist in their communities in anticipation of the impending election. They may even carry some of these feelings in their own hearts and minds. For their benefit and for the benefit of all of the adults that are proximate to their lives, let’s amplify our hope–hope that is fueled by the shared vision and values of our school community. They live their days with concern for a classmate who has been injured, with curiosity about the different perspectives and identities that constitute their classroom communities, and with the capacity to develop and evolve their opinions based on the lessons and stories they hear. Everyday, they express their agency to command attention, to organize action, to advocate for others, and to ensure they are heard. They are gaining access to their full potential and promise. The world needs them and that isn’t up for a vote!
Warmly,
Virginia
Election Discussion Resources:
As empathetic souls, our students are likely to be sensing the hopes and worries that exist in their communities in anticipation of the impending election. They may even carry some of these feelings in their own hearts and minds. For their benefit and for the benefit of all of the adults that are proximate to their lives, let’s amplify our hope–hope that is fueled by the shared vision and values of our school community. They live their days with concern for a classmate who has been injured, with curiosity about the different perspectives and identities that constitute their classroom communities, and with the capacity to develop and evolve their opinions based on the lessons and stories they hear. Everyday, they express their agency to command attention, to organize action, to advocate for others, and to ensure they are heard. They are gaining access to their full potential and promise. The world needs them and that isn’t up for a vote!
Warmly,
Virginia
Election Discussion Resources:
La Escuela Live Oak da la bienvenida y admite estudiantes de cualquier raza, color, origen nacional y étnico, estatus de ciudadanía, identidad de género, expresión de género, orientación sexual y fe a todos los derechos, privilegios, programas y actividades de la Escuela Live Oak. La Escuela Live Oak no discrimina por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional y étnico, estatus de ciudadanía, identidad de género, expresión de género, orientación sexual y fe en la administración de sus políticas y programas educativos, políticas de admisión, programa de Matrícula Ajustada, y programas deportivos y otros administrados por la escuela.