Springwell Students Reflect on Democracy
Today during Springwell Circle, we held space for students to process the recent election results.
Naturally, some students expressed frustration with the outcome, asking, "How could anyone vote for Trump?"
I reminded them that, even though we are in Maryland, we can’t assume everyone in our community supported one candidate over the other...
... that at Springwell, we value people even if they think differently than we do, and that is one of the things that makes our community so special....
...In fact, it's often the people we don’t like or judge the most that turn out to be our greatest teachers! (More on that later, kids!…)
...Ms. Ileana shared a poignant story from her childhood in Romania, where elections were not truly free, and voting differently could lead to imprisonment.
...One of her 4th graders reflected, “The fact we are able to vote for someone is actually great. If you think about the American Revolution, nobody elected King George III, especially the colonists."
A middle schooler gave an inspiring commentary:
"Even though you might think that the worst case scenario happened, the thing that matters is here, guys. Our community matters. We still have a lot more toupees to create [inside joke]. We’re gonna be okay."
I also reminded them: "Not only can we vote, but if you don't like how things are done, you can run for office yourself!"
They were shocked, saying, "Wait, what?" It was a moment of realizing the power of their own agency, and we may just see some budding public leaders among us.
Another middle schooler says, "well we have to wait to be adults before running for office...."
".... maybe there is something that we can do, now."
My heart melted with each thoughtful contribution, knowing that at Springwell we are doing our part to cultivate leaders of tomorrow who have the thoughtful skills to bridge divides across very human differences.
Who knows what this spark may lead. Surprises delight at every turn here at Springwell....
...Perhaps a visit from a local elected official... or a former cabinet member...
... or a Zoom call with a former Member of Congress...
Perhaps a Student Advisor to Springwell leadership will be elected ...
At Springwell, students navigate their feelings, engage in thoughtful discussions, and be inspired to make change in their own way.
The future is very bright.
Gloria Chan
Head of School
Next Open House November 14, 2024, 9-11:30 am
We invite you to experience our unique environment firsthand. If you’re interested in a school that fosters curious, compassionate, and engaged students, where inquiry-based, student-centered learning is at the core, we’d love for you to visit our next Open House!
Next Open House
Date: November 14
Time: 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
RSVP today!
We look forward to meeting you!
