In 6th grade Social Studies class, we’ve been learning about how our ancestors fought in the American Revolution so that we could have a say in how our country should be run. Our students visited the Boston Tea Party Museum, and participated in a meeting to decide how to respond to the king’s taxes.

Then we got to go on a ship and throw some tea overboard!

We also walked on the Old North Bridge, where the famous “Shot Heard ‘Round the World” was fired.

Many colonists died in that war so that we could have the system of government we have today.

The students have been studying the democratic process, and they learned that people in our country have the right to voice their opinions. Each class voted on an issue that they were passionate about, did lots of research, and figured out how to use their voices to work towards change through our government’s system. It was a lengthy process with a lot of discussion, but ultimately they got to see what Democracy in Action means.

One class decided to explore the issue of safe gun policy, and they were happy to learn that Governor Baker recently signed a “Red Flag Law” which would allow family members to take away firearms from people who are a danger to themselves or others. The class collaborated to make a website to encourage citizens to write to their representatives asking for this to become a Federal law. 

Another class was excited to dig into the topic of immigration, and they voted to focus on the issue of children in detention. After doing a bunch of research, students found out that citizens have until Nov. 6th to voice their opinions on a proposed rule that would take away the current 20 day maximum for holding children in detention. Many students had ideas for what to say to members of government about this proposal, and they figured out how to make a public comment, so they could show the adults in their families. One group of students in that class made an Instagram post to get their ideas across, while others preferred writing letters with their opinions.

There are many ways to make your voice heard, whether you are old enough to vote or not. Please stand up for whatever you believe in, and be a part of our Democracy.