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Posted on 02/21/2006 8:37:18 AM PST by Koblenz
Learning a political lesson —firsthand
High school GOP club fights for right to hold assembly
By Nanci G. Hutson
THE NEWS-TIMES
NEW MILFORD — High school junior Chris Fox thought he was being picked on, in part, because he's a Republican. The president of New Milford High's fledgling Young Republican Club wanted to play host to an assembly about the political process during exam week in March. But he got nowhere with school officials.
Upset, he took his idea to the school board and found a friendly ear among Republican members.
"Personally, I think getting students involved in their political process, even outside of the curriculum, is a great thing," said Republican board chairman Wendy Faulenbach. "I believe the administration is going to meet and figure out how it can occur.''
Fox thinks it's pathetic that so few people in town participate in choosing their elected leaders. He doesn't understand why his peers shy away from political activism.
So he came up with an idea for a non-partisan, voluntary assembly. "Our purpose the whole time has been to bring a positive thing to the table,'' Fox said.
When he unveiled his idea, he sensed some uneasiness with the club members' conservative ideology.
At one point, club adviser Daryll Ann Carter received a derogatory comment. But Fox said among the people he wanted at the proposed assembly was Democratic school board member Jennifer Oliveira, a 2004 New Milford High graduate.
However, school administrators say the assembly was not vetoed on ideological grounds. The Young Republicans were told they did not follow proper procedure. Fox said the club talked to an administrator about the assembly idea, but not to Principal Greg Shugrue. The idea got forwarded, but never approved.
At a school board meeting last week, Fox said the Young Republicans were frustrated their efforts to promote civic responsibility were essentially rejected. Angry Republican leaders thought the students were being stonewalled, and asked the Board of Education to intervene.
"Our students deserve better,'' Carter said.
Pete Bass, the Republican Town Committee chairman and a Town Council member, called it disheartening that any student interested in doing something educationally enriching would be discouraged or censored. He believes it is the school's responsibility to "water the flower of knowledge.''
The end result was a request to school administrators, including Shugrue and Superintendent JeanAnn Paddyfote, to reconsider the matter.
Late last week, Shugrue met with the handful of Young Republican Club members, Fox said. He was open to what they wanted to do, and suggested a volunteer assembly would be allowed either before or after school.
Though Fox thinks those times might hold down attendance, he appreciates Shugrue's willingness to seek a solution. "He definitely is working with us to help us accomplish our goals,'' Fox said. "Now I know what the proper procedure is.''
Junior Brinna Kolitz, who is not a member of the Young Republicans, said she likes the assembly idea because it moves learning away from textbooks and into the real world.
Kolitz said the gathering would allow students, regardless of ideology, to share opinions and learn about the political process. "It gives us a different taste about what we're talking about than just what you get in the classroom,'' said Kolitz.
To Fox, whether one is a conservative, a liberal, or uncertain, such forums offer a chance for young people to absorb new ideas and consider becoming politically involved.
"This is not a partisan campaign,'' Fox said. "Sure, we are trying to positively advance our club, but that is not our main purpose" for an assembly.
"With the voting rates in New Milford lower than 20 percent," Fox sad, "we figure we need to get (voters) when they're young so it becomes second nature.''
Contact Nanci G. Hutson
This is a great advertisement for Homeschooling...
There is a 19/20 year old on the school board? Times sure have changed.
There is a 19/20 year old on the school board? Times sure have changed.
It doesn't say she graduated on time. (After all, she is a Democrat...)
Wow. All I did was fight for my right to party.
LOL!
Connecticut ping! (Thanks, Koblenz)
Please Freepmail me if you want on or off my infrequent Connecticut ping list.
Homeschooling should not be viewed as a panacea for all the evils of the public schools.
Homeschooling in some cases could create a false sense of omnipotence against the political and powergrab realities of the real world, as is demonstrated by the public school rules, (whether they are right or wrong). Critical thinking along with real-world problem-solving is essential.
Eventually, Chris Fox, unlike a homeschooled kid, will know how to anticipate and navigate these roadblocks to his self-expression.
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