Frazier Middle students learn firsthand about government, elections
Kelly Tunney | Herald-Standard
State representative and Frazier alumnus Ryan Warner calls on a student as he answers questions for a school-wide unit on government and elections at Frazier Middle School.
Kelly Tunney | Herald-Standard
Sixth-grade student Kacie Lombard asks state Rep. Ryan Warner what he does in his free time during a recent visit by Warner to Frazier Middle School. Warner, a member of the House Game and Fisheries Committee, answered that hunting and fishing is one of his favorite things to do outside the office.
Kelly Tunney | Herald-Standard
State Rep. Ryan Warner signs autographs for sixth-grade students who asked him questions in a mock press conference at Frazier Middle School during a recent visit.
Kelly Tunney | Herald-Standard
State Rep. Ryan Warner holds a mock press conference in the library of Frazier Middle School for sixth-grade students to ask him questions about government. Warner is a graduate of Frazier School District and a resident of Perryopolis.
Millions of Americans fulfill their civic duty each November by voting.
While students at Frazier Middle School are several years from being eligible to vote, they are getting a head start on learning about government and elections.
Students recently participated in a school-wide lesson during the week leading up to Election Day.
Principal Michael Turek described it as taking a current event and educating students on the importance of voting and being good citizens.
“We wanted a school-wide unit where the whole school participates, where for one week all the teachers have to teach a couple lessons that revolve around the election process,” said Turek.
The unit consisted of activities across several subjects. For instance, he said, students in language arts classes researched the process of writing a bill; in math classes, they learned about polling and percentages; in history classes, the election process.
“It started out general with the government and then we slowly started to get more narrow in our focus,” said sixth grade social studies teacher Jessica Wildman, noting that her classes learned about political parties and presidential candidates.
Part of the unit included visits to the school from local elected officials who spoke to students about their experiences in politics and government.
State Rep. Ryan Warner, R-Perryopolis, was recently re-elected to represent the 52nd Legislative District.
Warner’s busy schedule leading up to Election Day included a stop in the Frazier Middle School library to talk to sixth-grade students about his job.
During two hour-long sessions the Jefferson Township native, Perryopolis resident and Frazier graduate discussed with students the differences between state and federal government, and the process of a bill becoming law.
“I think especially in this presidential year, they have interest in (government),” said Warner. “I think it gives them firsthand knowledge, and they get to ask questions to someone involved in government directly. I think it piques their interest, not just now but for the future.”
Warner quizzed students on various topics, asking them to explain the three branches of government, define “veto” and identify elected officials.
The sixth-graders then turned the tables on Warner, asking him questions of their own.
Following Warner’s presentation, he conducted a “press conference,” during which student reporters peppered the representative with questions about his job, his views and his life outside of government.
What made you decide to run for representative? What is your favorite and least favorite part of your job? Why do you think voting is important?
“I liked him answering our questions because he gives very surprising answers and finding out that he has a lot of stuff in common with us,” said student Kacie Lombard.
Warner called the questions insightful and thoughtful, adding that the 6th graders were very knowledgeable of government for their age.
“I just hope that it gives them an interest in politics and current affairs, and the impact that voting has and that your representatives and your senators have on your life,” said Warner.
Wildman said the students researched Warner before his visit to help them formulate their questions.
“When they found out that someone that’s making laws for the state of Pennsylvania was a graduate from Frazier, that really hit home to them.
“It’s the hands-on learning where they actually are getting to ask someone questions, having someone come in that can explain things. It’s much different than us lecturing and talking about it.”
Student Adriana Angelo, who enjoyed learning about the judicial branch, said receiving a visit from a state representative was eye-opening, and because of Warner’s presentation, she now has a better understanding of how states create laws.
Turek said Frazier School Board President Thomas Shetterly was set to speak to seventh-grade students in a similar fashion on Election Day.
“It’s giving kids experiences that will help them to have this memory that will spark an interest,” Turek said of the politicians’ visits. “That’s what 21st century learning is working towards, providing students with real-life experiences.”