Civic Participation.
That’s one of the key goals of New York State’s Social Studies curriculum, to teach students not only about what has happened and what is happening in the world around them, but to learn how to express themselves — respectfully — in debates.
Thus, for the third year, the Highland Falls Intermediate School has sent seventh and eighth grade students off to the NYS Model State Legislature. The students just returned from Albany, and according to the program advisor, teacher Heather Evangelista, “year three was a success!!”
“Our students brought three bills this year: legislation to raise the fines and penalties for distracted driving, registered nurses in every NYS school, and increase in funding for foster families.”
She said that over 300 students from across the state were together at the state Capital to discuss, debate and vote on important legislation such as those topics.
“Watching our students interact with their peers, respectfully express their opinions, and practice the art of legislation was truly inspiring,” Evangelista said.
“Participating in this model state legislature provides students the opportunity to learn about a wide variety of issues, develop critical thinking skills, and articulate their beliefs while engaging constructively with those who hold similar and opposing views,” Evangelista said in an overview of the program to parents and students last spring. The students who went have been working together since then to prepare their bills.
The following students were delegates this year: Haylee Adams, Scott Barr, Isabelle DeSpirito, Lauren Farrier, Aspasia Fatsis, Shawn Konyak Ella O’Connell, Julia Olivia, Gianna Ortiz, Amelia Pushlar, Ethan Rodriguez, Marvin Rosil, Xavier Stewart, Lilia Surowka, Sofia Vanzetta and David Walsh.
Teacher Andrew Krakowka chaperoned the trip with Evangelista.
