GOWANDA, NY — Civic engagement is coming to life at Gowanda Elementary School (GES). Students in Mrs. Puntillo’s third-grade class recently stepped into the roles of legislators, identifying changes they wished to see in their school and drafting formal “bills” to present to a panel of district leaders.
The Legislative Process
Working in small groups, the young lawmakers practiced persuasive writing and public speaking as they defended their proposals. The guest “Congress”—featuring Mrs. Reeves, Mrs. Kelly, Mrs. Beebe, Mrs. Shaver, and Ms. Franco—listened as students explained the rationale behind three major pieces of legislation: The Great Hydration Act, The Comfy, Cozy and Fun Act, and The Snack Attack.
This hands-on “Gowanda Experience” culminated at Principal Carrie Kroll’s desk. In a lesson on the reality of executive power, Principal Kroll officially signed The Snack Attack and The Comfy, Cozy and Fun Act into law. While The Great Hydration Act was ultimately vetoed, the exercise provided invaluable insight into how collaboration and compromise fuel our government.
By focusing on critical thinking and real-world application, GES continues to prepare students to be active, informed members of our community.
