BMUFSD: Todd School Holds School-Wide Elections

Press release from the Briarcliff Manor Union Free School District:

2023-11-09

Are you at least four years old and a citizen of Todd Elementary School? If so, you are eligible to vote in the Todd elections.

Recently, every student in grades kindergarten through fifth at Todd School had a chance to cast their vote on the hot topic of the year:

Should students wear pajamas or tie-dye on Kindness Day?

Prior to the elections, students learned during social studies about the election process and why voting is important. They learned what it takes to be an active citizen and what it means to be an active member of the community.

Students filled out registration cards and signed their names to attest that they are part of Todd School and that they are at least four years old.

“Last year was our first year holding school-wide elections,” said fourth grade teacher Jessica Pappas, who is one of the school’s social studies curriculum leaders, along with second grade teacher Debi Fried. “We thought it would be a fun way to engage in civics by holding an election and doing something that can affect the entire school. The elections last year were for a silence signal in the hallways.”

During the vote, students in grades kindergarten through second marked their selection on paper, while those in grades third through fifth voted on a digital ballot on Microsoft forms.

“Being an active citizen, and the framework for civic engagement, is a social studies component in all grades at Todd, and although social studies standards are different in every grade level, the framework itself is teaching students that they are a part of a bigger community,” Ms. Pappas said.

The elections, according to Ms. Pappas, contain many components of critical thinking.

“Students are debating sides and justifying their ideas on why they want to vote for their choice, while thinking about pros and cons,” she said. “All classes watched a PowerPoint presentation and had discussions. In my class we spoke about how your vote and your opinion are your own and that we have to respect each other’s opinions and that it is also a private thing and you don’t have to share your opinion in class. But if you do discuss it, how to respectfully disagree or how to respectfully take a different side.”

When it was time to cast their votes, Ms. Pappas reminded her students that their vote matters, their vote counts, and their vote is personal to them.

Students voted on their iPads and received “I voted” stickers to wear on their shirts.

“I voted for tie-dye because my pajamas are short-sleeves, but I do have a lot of tie-dyes,” Sophia said.

“I voted for pajamas because it feels more relaxing to wear pajamas on Kindness Day,” Zachary said. “It also makes studying easier.”

After counting the votes, Pajama Day beat Tie-Dye Day with a total of 574 votes to 98.

“We hope to continue the tradition next year,” Ms. Pappas said. “We collected all of the registration forms and will keep them for next year’s elections.”

This activity is in line with the district’s commitment to fostering critical thinking. Encouraging students to be curious, reflective and open to new ideas and perspectives, capable of gathering and organizing information to make informed decision and willing to take intellectual risks and challenge their own assumptions.

This press release was produced by the Briarcliff Manor Union Free School District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.