Governor Tony Evers, Others Visit Lower School

In their efforts to learn more about government and civic engagement, 3rd grade students at University School of Milwaukee went directly to the source: elected officials representing city, state, and federal government offices, including Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, U.S. Senator Ron Johnson, and Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers. 

Through a combination of virtual and in-person visits, the students were able to ask questions and learn more about what engaged citizenship looks like, why voting matters, how they can better understand what’s happening in their communities, and the history of voting rights in the United States, among other topics. The goal of the nonpartisan educational activity was to help students understand the importance of civic participation, community involvement, and informed citizenship. 

Third grade teacher and Lower School social studies chair Elle Rodriguez contacted a wide variety of elected officials and people who work in government and civic engagement roles, asking if they would be interested and available to meet with 3rd graders and answer a few questions. “I was expecting to get maybe three or four responses,” she said, “and I got 17.” 

Students used the opportunity to ask questions and conduct first-person research to aid in their production of podcasts as part of the unit. “I thought this could be a great opportunity for kids to learn more about civic engagement and their government directly from the people serving in those roles,” said Rodriguez. “They’re learning so much more than they would from reading a book.”    

Governor Evers stopped for a visit on Friday, April 24, and 3rd and 4th grade students were each able to spend 30 minutes with him. Both grade levels asked prepared questions about government and being a governor, 3rd grade as part of their podcast project, and 4th grade in preparation for their annual state government field trip to Madison, Wisconsin.

Although the officials represented a wide range of roles and political affiliations, they all shared a common message: anyone can create positive change in their community by being a helper. “The kids have been much more engaged and connected to the material,” said Rodriguez. “Instead of just saying, ‘Well, I don't have to care about this until I'm 18 and can vote,’ they're asking questions like, ‘What can we do now?’”

While their study of government and civic engagement is wrapping up, their work around community involvement is just beginning, as 3rd grade students prepare for their upcoming service learning project with Kinship Community Food Center.

Many thanks to Rodriguez and the 3rd grade team for coordinating the visits, and to the following officials and organizations for participating: 

• Trevor Jung, transit and mobility director, city of Racine, and candidate for state senate district 21
• Cavalier Johnson, mayor of Milwaukee
• Deb Andraca, Wisconsin state representative
• Alex Brower, Milwaukee alderman
• Dora Drake, Wisconsin state senator
• Lafayette Crump ’91, commissioner of city development for the city of Milwaukee
• Paul Truess, regional director, office of U.S. senator Ron Johnson
• Ron Johnson, U.S. senator
• Tony Evers, Wisconsin governor
• Black Leaders Organizing for Communities (BLOC)
• ACLU-Wisconsin
• Wisconsin Working Families Party
• Hispanic Collaborative
• All Voting is Local
• USM School Safety and Security Team