“I think, “ mused Charlotte, “That I might want to be a Senator.”

Just about every fourth or fifth grade studies about the fifty states, the origins of our country and the basics of the U.S. government. At Levey Day School, we brought government to the students and the students to government. On top of that, we infused the learning with connections to Jewish values and practice.

It began when fifth grade teacher Kim Berry and Head of School Gerri Chizeck received a letter inviting our students to visit Maine’s State House from Senator Justin Alfond. We arranged a tour of the building, but in addition, as we were a small class, we were able to arrange to have all of our students serve as Honorary pages for the day in the Senate.

The students dressed for the honor and arrived with great excitement and a serious attitude towards their responsibilities. They spent several hours taking messages to senators from other senators, passing out papers and even taking messages to the House of representatives and back. They did an excellent job, and at the same time got to witness the passing of a historic law to curb drug abuse. Senator Alfond joined the class for lunch in the cafeteria. He was impressed by their questions, including, “What happens when you disagree with the governor? How do you deal with that?” and “What about being Jewish influences you as a Senator?” “I’ve never had such deep questions from such young students,” the Senator exclaimed. And we were invited to come back any time.

The students wrote letters of appreciation, and later received photos and notes from the Senator. Some also connected with their district’s legislators while at the State House and on tour. Back at School, the students continued to learn about government, and put in a call to Portland’s Mayor Strimling. The mayor agreed to come visit the class. He said he only had 45 minutes, but stayed for over an hour. The mayor, too, was impressed with our students, and asked them what they cared about in the city. Answers included “ taking care of the homeless,” fixing the streets, and helping immigrants. They also had a list of questions for him, including what his agenda was for the city. Students took time beforehand to prepare questions, and it showed.

The mayor also received the question about how his Judaism reflected in his work. He talked about how he grew up being taught that the Jewish people give to their community, serve others, and help those in need, and that he had never forgotten that message. The mayor’s genuine interest in the students and their genuine interest in him created a bond and inspired our students to think about a life of public service.

While the fifth graders graduated and went on to middle school, our fourth graders are in fifth grade at Levey this year and have launched head on into a discussion of the upcoming election, how Jewish values influence how we treat each other when we disagree, and what good campaigning looks like. They were able to visit local campaign headquarters, made their own campaign slogans as if they were running, and encouraged family members and friends to exercise their voting rights. Soon they will also be learning about immigration, and inviting guests to our school to share their experience, including a local immigrant who is running for City Council. They see that government is not the inaccessible other; instead, it is by the people and for the people, and they can have an influence. Precious learning that they will never forget.