Upper School Students Discuss the Election at Middle School MX
Seniors Annabel McIntosh and Julia Josephson explained the election process and candidates’ views on important issues to Middle School students at Morning Ex this week. As Upper School Student Government Directors of Cross-Grade Communications, and as students in this year’s Elections 2024 course, McIntosh and Josephson fielded questions from members of the Middle School Student Council.
Middle School students took surveys to reveal the issues most important to them. The top three results were gun control, women’s reproductive rights and inflation. McIntosh and Josephson explained each presidential candidate’s platform on these topics and why they matter in this election.
The students also learned about swing states, the electoral college and the biases of different news organizations. There was also discussion about social media and how easy it is to spread misinformation. The Upper School students advised the Middle Schoolers to do their research, discern fact from opinion and have informed conversations with others about these issues. They also discussed how to be respectful of people’s emotions pending the results.
Even though Middle School students are too young to participate in voting, there are still myriad ways for them to get involved. From canvassing to phone banking and writing letters, younger students can still participate in democracy and understand their roles as citizens in our society.
Francis W. Parker School educates students to think and act with empathy, courage and clarity as responsible citizens and leaders in a diverse democratic society and global community.