by Jan Goehring
The America's Legislators Back to School Program has reached elementary students in Ashland, Massachusetts in a unique way. Senator Karen Spilka provided a civics reading list, which included NCSL's Your Ideas Count! Back to School Program booklets, to a PTO-sponsored summer reading program for grades K - 8. Those students who completed the reading were invited to visit the statehouse for a tour and reception hosted by the senator. This gave the students and parents a chance to see participatory democracy in action and for many, it was their first visit to the capitol. Fifty-two students participated. "The earlier we reach out to students, the more engaged they will be over a lifetime," says Spilka.
What an incredible idea! When I was a kid I didn't have opportunities such as this to visit the senator. I think this will really motivate our students to work harder and read more. I recently started working with a really good site dedicated to bringing people together, have you heard of Cyworld? This site offers the us the opportunity to connect with like minded people to share ideas, make new friends and join clubs. A great site for students to meet other students for homework help and tutoring. Check out our website, http://www.cyworld.com and address the creative and expressive side of your psyche.
Posted by: Curtis Jackson | December 20, 2006 at 12:59 PM