The presidential election is a little different at this Arundel school

Presidential candidates are preparing for Wednesday’s debate at the Wokół Nas School. From left to right, the candidates are: Alfi Boyd (9), Avery Peacock (8), Rose Merrill (11), Lucy Lukacs (12) and Callum McCrum (11). Shawn Patrick Ouellette/Photographer

One of the leading presidential candidates is Avery Peacock. He is a successful fundraiser, is a confident person in discussions and is 8 years old.

With the 2024 presidential election just days away, students participating in School Around Us, a co-learning program for homeschooled 4-year-olds to 2 p.m. in Arundel, watch the debates and prepare to vote – for student president.

On Tuesday, they will vote in an engaging lesson reflecting the national election.

Around Us School was founded in 1970. Each student is a registered homeschooler in the state of Maine and may enroll in the program full-time or part-time. The tradition of school elections goes back over 20 years. The vote is ranked choice, like many elections in Maine. Over the past few months, students have formed the campaign team, designing posters, reviewing the school’s charter and organizing fundraisers.

“I think it’s good that I have the opportunity to be a leader at such a young age,” Avery said in a pre-debate interview.

She raised $400 at a bake sale fundraiser. Half will go to the Kennebunk Food Pantry and half will fund the campaign’s promise of a pizza and ice cream party.

At the beginning of the semester, students nominated further candidates for the presidential race. Every student participates in this process in some way: as a candidate, campaign worker or journalist. Twelve candidates competed in the primary, but only five remained: Avery; Alfi Boyd, 9; Rose Merrill, 11; Lucy Lukacs, 12; and Callum McCrum (11). They represent parties such as The Potato Party and The Explorers Party.

During Wednesday’s debate, they sat at a long table across from their peers and passed the microphone. Candidates read opening statements from cards and then answered difficult questions about inclusion, being a good friend and breaking school rules.

Alfi promises an expanded space for creators and investments in the playground. It campaigns on humor, friendship and unique nature activities. Rose said her openness and spirit of exploration set her apart as president. Lucy offers increased stock of kitchen equipment for the baking studio. Callum wants more activities that encourage teamwork and critical thinking.

A few popular ideas came up in many of the responses: interest in a new tether ball (the ball has been missing for months) and an overnight stay at school.

“One of the things I promise is to replace the tetherball,” Lucy said in response to a question about the school’s adherence to inclusive values. “I think it will benefit every student. When we had tetherball, I saw everyone who wanted to play get their turn and I think SAU would benefit from this by creating another space for kids to connect and have fun.

Avery Peacock 8 (center) returns the microphone after answering questions while fellow candidate Rose Merrill 11 (right) cheers on Peacock during a mock election debate. Shawn Patrick Ouellette/Photographer

The winner of the election gets to design two full days of classes. They can spend half of the fundraising money on school improvement projects promised in their campaigns, and they can also help make some decisions about how to spend the grant money. They will also be given a voice during weekly school meetings.

Amy Wentworth is one of the school’s top educators. She has participated in six student election cycles and said that while students learn what the process of running for office is like, it is also a good lesson in leadership.

“They’re kind of changing their attitudes about school, and I’ve seen kids who maybe didn’t notice something before, but now that they’re being put in this potential role, they’re saying, ‘Oh, that’s not very good behavior.’ , this is not the best choice” and they raise their voices. It’s kind of a natural way for students to be responsible for their actions,” Wentworth said. “With that experience, they are in the leadership position we would have hoped for, but because of the electoral process, they are taking it a step further.”

The actual presidential candidatesThese people’s names are never mentioned in this lesson, but teachers say the elections help students understand what they hear outside of school and connect the dots when they are old enough to vote.

Ruby Alley became vice president in 2008. She currently teaches the youngest age group at School Around Us.

“It taught me more about my citizenship in the world,” Alley said. Her election coincided with Barack Obama’s first presidential victory. “It was incredibly powerful to go through that process and then be able to see it happen across the country.”

She said the school is very much focused on civic duty, and this lesson is just one manifestation of that philosophy.