DISD students model civility in “mock” elections

In a heated election year marked by discord and civil unrest, Denison ISD school children chose to take the high road during recent mock elections on their campuses, offering up important lessons for all of us on the importance of treating each other with respect, courtesy and dignity.

According to Principal Natalie Hicks, the race at Mayes Elementary was a close and exciting one, but everyone felt like they walked away winners.

“On our campus, it was not so much about who won, but rather about the importance of being a registered and informed voter and conducting ourselves with honor and integrity throughout the election process,” said Hicks. “Our kids learned a lot in their classrooms about the importance of voting, the responsibilities and duties of our President, our system of checks and balances, and the purpose of the electoral college. In the end, we all dressed up in red, white and blue on Election Day and came to school ready to cast ballots.”

Amy Neidert, Terrell Elementary Principal, said Election Day offered the perfect opportunity for students to express themselves in ways that are both meaningful and respectful.

“We teach and model kindness, compassion, respect and tolerance in everything we do…to a point where it has become a culture here at Terrell and a hallmark of our district,” said Neidert. “Our kids, particularly our older students, learned a lot about the importance of registering to vote, our electoral college system and how the winner is determined…then voted at a ballot box outside the cafeteria on Election Day. Everyone was very excited, but also very respectful. It’s been a great learning experience for all of us. I’m proud of these kids!”

Hundreds of Mayes students voted outside the school cafeteria in a mock election hosted on Tuesday, November 3rd, the same day that millions of Americans voted nationwide. “On our campus, it was not so much about who won, but rather about the importance of being a registered and informed voter and conducting ourselves with honor and integrity throughout the election process,” said Principal Natalie Hicks.

Mayes students gave a big thumbs-up to fellow students who took the time to vote in the school’s mock election on November 3rd. “Our kids learned a lot in their classrooms about the importance of voting, the responsibilities and duties of our President, our system of checks and balances, and the purpose of the electoral college,” said Natalie Hicks, Mayes Principal.

Terrell students proudly displayed their mock “Student Voter Registration” certificates that made them eligible to vote in their school’s mock election on November 3rd. “Our kids learned a lot about the importance of registering to vote, the electoral college system and how the winner is determined…then voted at a ballot box outside the cafeteria on Election Day,” said Terrell Principal Amy Neidert.

Young Terrell students tossed their ballots into the voter box as they made their way into the cafeteria for lunch on November 3rd, the day of the school’s mock 2020 Presidential Election.

Hundreds of Terrell students displayed courtesy and respect for others in a mock presidential election hosted on their campus on November 3rd. “We teach and model kindness, compassion, respect and tolerance in everything we do…to a point where it has become a culture here at Terrell and a hallmark of our district,” said Principal Amy Neidert. “Everyone was very excited, but also very respectful. It’s been a great learning experience for all of us. I’m proud of these kids!”