Severn News

Why Is Voting Important?

In the weeks before the U.S. presidential election, our 3rd graders dove into the history of voting and the current voting process as part of their social studies curriculum. They used this research to write persuasive paragraphs on the importance of voting and Zoomed with our Upper School AP U.S. Government and Politics class to share their ideas. As Sky '30 said, "If you're eighteen years old, you are able to watch the debates and pick the candidate you want as President. Election day is a chance to make a difference you will never forget!"
Severn School elementary and high school students on Zoom.
The classes met in one big session before breaking out into smaller groups. 
During their Zoom breakout sessions, Ms. Kantowksi and Ms. DeMarte's 3rd-grade classes read their arguments to the seniors to persuade them to vote in the 2020 presidential election. Our 3rd graders made voting stickers and sent them to Teel Campus ahead of time and wore red, white, and blue outfits to show their enthusiasm about this exciting time in our country's history.
Severn School elementary and high school students on Zoom.
Red, white, and blue...ready!
"Voting is important to everyone in the U.S. First, a reason is, if you don't vote, you don't have a say in what is going to happen to our country. We are part of a country that is a democracy. For example, every vote counts. Next, Susan B. Anthony would be upset if all that she fought for went to waste. Susan B. Anthony fought for most of her life for the women's right to vote. Finally, it's a big responsibility to vote. For this reason, if no one voted, we wouldn't have a president to run our country and we wouldn't have jobs, good health care, or school. So all of the new voters, get out there and vote!" — Sia '30
Severn School elementary and high school students on Zoom.
AP Government students shared the election prediction maps they completed using research about the electoral college and political histories in each state.
"First of all, voting is your right and responsibility because if you say your vote doesn't make a difference, you are wrong! Your vote does make a difference. Our country is a democracy so the people have a say in government decisions and candidates for positions. Another reason is in the past, certain people were unable to vote. In the past, women and enslaved people were unable to vote. Finally, you have to get your voice heard. In history, Susan B. Anthony had to fight for women's rights to vote, but African Americans were unable to vote until the 1960's. Now go vote!" — Nathan '30
Severn School elementary and high school students on Zoom.
Upper schoolers helped our 3rd graders complete their own maps with a key showing traditionally democrat, republican, and swing states.

A Community of Collaboration

From grades preschool through twelve, Severn is one community. Our teachers create collaborations like these to bring older and younger students together within a relevant and meaningful context. For our 3rd graders, this was an opportunity to write for a real audience and develop an argument that is directly related to current events. For our seniors, it was a chance to act as mentors and role models, sharing the knowledge they've gained throughout their years of study ... and a smile or two along the way.

Please share!

Lower School

Preschool-Grade 5
Chesapeake Campus
1185 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd
Arnold, MD 21012

Middle/Upper School

Grade 6-12
Teel Campus
Severna Park, MD 21146