Hundreds of students, parents, and community members gathered last week at a Civics Fair held at RJ Grey Junior High School. Student-led civics projects became part of the State of Massachusetts Junior High and High School curriculum through the enactment of S2631, an act to promote and enhance civic engagement. The Acton-Boxborough school system has integrated the fair into their curriculum in both schools, and last week members of the community were able to see firsthand what students have accomplished.
On June 4 and 5, over four hundred RJ Grey 7th grade students presented their civics projects, following the Department of Secondary and Elementary Education (DESE) guidelines. They showcased their projects at several Civics Fair sessions to other students and school personnel, community leaders, and elected officials, parents, and the League of Women Voters. Topics ranged from general issues like Sleep Deprivation, Climate Change, Pay Equity and Food Insecurity, to some local initiatives like increasing the number of playgrounds and outdoor athletic space in our towns, and pedestrian safety.
Anthony Zeese, a seventh grade social studies teacher, commented about the attendance at the Civics Fair sessions, “Hundreds of families, friends, and community leaders were able to stop by and learn about many issues that students have identified and researched over the last three weeks. Overall, the Civics Fair was truly a success in showcasing how young people can get involved in their community.” One of the presentations, done by seventh grader Finn Murray, focused on voter participation, not a topic chosen by many others. He said, “The Civics Project meant an opportunity to play my part in solving the issues that we are currently faced with and spread awareness for the problem that I chose to address.”
During the school day presentations, League of Women Voters members and volunteers were able to lend their support to the Civics Fair by listening to the students explain their projects, asking them questions, and then presenting them with Excellence in Advocacy certificates to recognize their achievements. Pat Clifford, an executive committee member of the Acton Area League of Women Voters said the League is “thrilled we could support the Civics Fair initiative…and commend the students for their work.” A local retailer, Staples, also supported this event by providing the certificates and printing at no cost.
Leslie Hogan is a Boxborough resident and Steering Committee member of the League of Women Voters-Acton Area (LWV-AA). Leslie was one of the organizers of the LWV participation in the Civics Fair.