Lopez Students Visit the Governor’s Office!
Every spring the 4th graders at Lopez Elementary learn about state government. The unit culminates in an overnight trip to Olympia to see our government in action. This year’s field trip, led by teachers Lorri Swanson and Connie Holz, had an extra special mission – the 4th graders did some powerful lobbying for a community pool on Lopez!
The students tapped into their passion for swimming, to create beautiful artwork expressing their desire for a year-round swimming pool. A sample of the themes that emerged: wanting to be a lifeguard, being on a swim team, becoming a stronger swimmer, having fun with friends and being able to go to a pool without having to get on the ferry first. The art was reproduced and bound ahead of time and then presented to all of our state representatives in Olympia.
The students had a private audience with Representative Jeff Morris where they were able to share their ideas about the importance of a pool in their home community. Governor Inslee was traveling but the students were able to visit his impressive office and leave their artwork on his desk, as they did with other representatives, four in total. Talk about experiential learning! Afterward, the kids spent many hours swimming in the hotel pool. Several parents noted one potent effect the pool had on the kids – friend groups dissolved and a beautiful inclusive group dynamic naturally developed. Congratulations to the spirited 4th graders on their civic adventure!