South Windsor High School Recognized for 'Pioneering Civics Education'

HARTFORD, CT — Nine schools or districts are being recognized for a pioneering civics education program that used the 2016 presidential election to teach politics to Connecticut children and young people.

And South Windsor High School is one of them.

The program — called Red, White and Blue Schools — is a partnership between the State Department of Education and the Office of the Secretary of the State. It rewards "outstanding schools that develop programs that foster strong civic engagement among students."

The program is available to all K through 12 schools in Connecticut. The 2016-2017 school year was its inaugural run and centered on the theme of “The Electoral Process.”

“It is critical that we equip young people with the knowledge and perspective it will take to be informed, active citizens in a global society,” Commissioner of Education Dianna R. Wentzell said. “The Red, White and Blue Schools Initiative encourages schools to think outside the box about ways to engage students more actively in community and government. I am so impressed with the work happening in the schools being recognized today and I encourage more schools to participate next year.”

Secretary of the State Denise W. Merrill said, “It was great to see children find ways to participate in the 2016 election. Democracy is not a spectator sport and there are many more ways to get involved than simply voting. We hope the experience sparks an interest among young people in democratic participation and that will keep them engaged as active citizens in the future.”

Activities included mock elections, the creation of politics ads, linking students with campaigns, hosting debates, creating math projects centered on the Electoral College, among many others.

The schools achieving recognition as Red, White & Blue Schools for the 2016-17 school year are:

• E.O. Smith High School, Storrs
• Lincoln Middle School, Meriden
• Norwich Free Academy
• Tolland High School
• Westhill High School, Stamford
• Windsor High School

Schools receiving special recognition are:

• Outstanding High School Program: Enfield High School
• Outstanding 6-12 Program: Amity (Amity High School, Amity Middle School - Orange, Amity Middle School - Bethany)
• Outstanding K-12 Program: South Windsor Public Schools

The Red, White & Blue Schools program will continue to develop, promote and recognize extraordinary civics education programs in the state. The theme of the 2017-2018 Red, White & Blue Schools program will be “Engagement at the Local Level.”

Photo Credit: SWHS