Better lunches, more time with pets, additional recycling options – these are just a few of the campaign promises our fourth graders laid out as part of their bids for Lower School president. The division-wide initiative, inspired by the country’s presidential election, was a way for our young students to engage in democracy. 

The role of Lower School president was envisioned as an intermediary between students and Lower School teachers and administrators – acting as a voice for their peers about how to improve the 85th Street community. From collaboratively bringing ideas and solutions to life, to serving as an example of the spirit and values of Calhoun, the position was a considerable responsibility for our fourth graders. 

Nearly half of the fourth grade class took up the challenge of running for president – submitting an application that included a teacher’s endorsement and ten signatures from classmates. Next, they began campaigning. Students designed their own handmade posters and plastered them throughout the school building. The candidates also visited each classroom to introduce themselves and share their solutions-based campaign ideas – centered on proposals like restructuring the library and organizing fundraising walks.

The week before the election, the candidates participated in a Town Hall assembly and took questions from each cluster. They were asked about how they would execute their plans, and how they would improve the Lower School. The voting body was present and engaged as they listened to candidates’ responses, and it complemented lessons all students were learning in their classrooms about civic responsibility and engagement. Hearing directly from the candidates allowed students to weigh the pros and cons of the different leadership options and make an informed decision. 

On Election Day, Little Calhouners cast their votes for Lower School president in voting booths set up with digital ballots. After weeks of learning more about the candidates and their platforms, students acted decisively when it was their turn to vote, choosing the person they felt best aligned with their individual viewpoint. Our kindergartners through fourth graders were excited to have their voices heard and receive their “I voted” stickers – getting just a small taste of the pride that comes from participating in democracy and having an impact on their own community.

Keeping in line with Calhoun’s values of collaboration and cooperation, after the votes were counted, it was announced that rather than having just one president, the Lower School will instead have four co-presidents, with two students from each fourth grade cluster. Zayne A. ‘33 and Ariana D. ‘33 were elected from 4A, and Kingston N.-K. ‘33 and Vita G. B. ‘33 were elected from 4B. Additionally, each student who was a candidate for president was invited to serve as a general member of the Lower School Council. The co-presidents will preside over this council as they all work together to bring about positive change in their school environment.

As the fourth grade teachers reflect, “We are proud of every candidate for their courage in running and their hard work in developing and expressing their ideas. There are so many amazing ideas that have emerged through this process. It’s also been a joy to see how they’ve supported and cheered for each other throughout this “campaign” period; each child has demonstrated a wonderful degree of sportsmanship.”

From the candidates who ran for president, to the voters who selected their school leadership, the election process was an exercise in empowerment. It instilled in our young students an appreciation for community involvement and democratic values – lessons they will carry into the future. 

We look forward to seeing how our newly elected Lower School co-presidents and council will make a difference at 85th Street. Congratulations to Zayne, Ariana, Kingston and Vita!

View additional photos from our Lower School Election