Ah yes, Civics week is coming soon! In case you didn’t know, Civics Week is an important part of every student’s education. That’s why we started the Civics for All program, which helps students learn about democracy and build important skills and knowledge. Our goal is for all students to become active members of their communities who can think critically and help shape the future of our city and country. Civics for All helps schools teach students how to connect history, current events, and how democracy works.a week to celebrate and educate on civics, an important thing in our democracy. This is all made by our school’s very own student leaders in Civics Club and SGO! (which the two authors are members of) In this article, we will go over what exciting events are happening over the course of this week and important info and links you can’t miss!
Day 1: Poster Day
Our first event on Monday is Poster Day, when the Civics Poster Competition starts! In this competition, you make a poster on a social issue of your choice! For example, you could make a poster about something as widespread as racism or sexism or as a small thing such as littering. But, overall, this is a great chance for your voice to be heard. You can submit your posters through the link here! You can look for examples in the student lounge! The spirit day for this day is “Dress As Your Favorite Subject” Day, and the extension activity is to watch any speech by a politician.
Day 2: Take Action Day!
Our next event is Take Action Day! Our activity on Tuesday is to write a letter to a representative in politics about an issue you are passionate about. It can be congestion pricing, discrimination, littering, and more! With this event, you can learn how to contact your local representatives and make a bigger impact with your ideas. The spirit day for this day is “You Can Be Anything–And Your Backpack Can Too!”, so bring literally anything BUT your regular backpack! The extension activity is to create a PSA about an important issue.
Day 3: College and Career Day!
Next-in-line is College And Career Day! On Wednesday, during your lunch period, people come and share about their alma mater or their careers! Some confirmed jobs include an oncologist (cancer doctor), a sanitation worker, and Mrs. Campbell is giving a mock interview workshop! There are also snacks and drinks all while this is happening in the gym! The spirit day for this day is “Wear A College And A Career” Day, a day to wear college swag or dress up as a career! The extension activity is to write a resume for a future job!
Day 4: Women In Politics Day!
Then, there is Women In Politics Day! On this day, you will learn about various inspiring female activists and politicians that changed American history for the better with figures such as Susan B. Anthony and Shirley Chisholm. Along with that, you can learn from these inspiring women on how to make change for yourself! This day’s spirit day is Pajama Day, so put on your comfiest nightwear! This day’s extension activity is to inform your classmates about a female politician.
Day 5: College and Career Day!
Last, but not least, is Debate Day! In this activity, you will have a friendly debate with your classmates on certain issues, such as bike lanes, arts funding, leash policies and more! But remember, keep debates friendly and don’t let it escalate into personal attacks and insults! The spirit day is none other than our very own School Spirit Friday, so wear your Marie Curie Gear to get a chance at a pizza party! The extension activity is to make a presentation about your local politicians from your New York Assemblyman/woman to your representative in the House and the Senate!
That concludes our overview of Civics Week. If you have any questions, be sure to ask a Civics Club member or Ms. Coogan or Ms. Schifaudo! We hope that you enjoy Civics Week and thanks to our Civics Club and SGO for making this possible!
Also, there will be days to wear colors signifying awareness days for Civics week. Please refer to the great morning meeting slide we are provided with every day.