Election Programming Highlights Civil Discourse

USM’s election programming focused on the school’s Common Trust, and on approaching disagreements with curiosity rather than contention. 

A presidential election year is an exciting time to be a social studies teacher. Just ask Chuck Taft, USM’s 8th grade American history teacher. When the electoral college, the United States constitution, primaries, and caucuses are featured prominently in the news and online, it’s hard not to pay attention. “I love when the front page drives my curriculum, because it brings relevance and engagement to our class discussions and activities,” said Taft. 

USM is politically neutral, but not values-neutral. The school’s commitment to its mission and Common Trust values of respect, trust, honesty, fairness, and kindness were key in guiding how teachers in all divisions prepared for and taught the election.

Prior to the election, USM faculty and leadership received guidance on facilitating respectful discourse, and students also experienced lessons leading up to the big day. Each was tailored with content and activities appropriate for the age of the students. Examples are highlighted below, but are more comprehensive list can be found online (see below).

Preschool and Lower School students participated in a mock election on Nov. 5 to vote for their favorite out-of-uniform day: sports day or comfy day. Each class checked in at the polling station with their voting ID, cast their ballot, and received an “I voted” sticker. (Comfy day won by a landslide.)

Middle School students participated in an assembly to learn about civil discourse and practice engaging in respectful conversations that build understanding. They also heard an assembly, led by Taft, about America’s electoral college.

Members of the Upper School Student Diversity Leadership Committee held an open discussion about how propaganda shapes public opinions and influences voter behavior, especially in social media. 

The day after the election, Middle School and Upper School students were offered optional spaces in which to gather if they wished to process the outcome with peers. Preschool and Lower School students’ morning meetings focused on understanding, in developmentally appropriate ways, the election outcome.

National presidential elections are an exciting time to observe this country’s democracy in action, and to see the vision of America’s founding fathers playing out in real time. Disagreements, although sometimes uncomfortable, are also a great opportunity to show how the school’s Common Trust can guide all members of the school community.

Visit www.usmtoday.org/election for more details on how students and teachers prepared for, and learned about, the election.