Westfield HS Students Visit NJ State House For Firsthand Civics Lesson

WESTFIELD, NJ — Westfield High School students visited the New Jersey State House in Trenton this fall to learn about the inner workings of state government and gain a deeper understanding of the legislative process at the state level.

The Oct. 30 field trip was organized by language arts teacher Bailey Verdone and social studies teacher Antony Farag, who together teach a Global Citizen course at the high school and who arranged the trip as part of their civic engagement unit.

"Assemblywoman Michele Matsikoudis gave us special permission to visit the floors of the Senate and General Assembly, along with the governor’s office," Verdone and Farag recounted.

In a separate committee room, the students also conducted a mock debate of legislation currently being debated in the General Assembly.

"Our students loved sitting at the committee desks, using the microphones and debating the bill back and forth," the educators added. "They had a great time and learned so much. Visiting the State House made our civic engagement unit more applicable and provided real world exposure to the issues we talk about in class."

Farag and Verdone added: "We believe that this field trip will have a significant impact on our 12th graders, who will soon be of voting age. By experiencing the legislative process firsthand, they will be better equipped to engage in civic discourse and make informed decisions ascitizens. Additionally, this field trip will benefit the Westfield community by fostering a more engaged and informed electorate."

— Westfield Public Schools