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Holland Patent Elementary Develops Future Government Leaders

A young boy in a coral shirt stands at a podium in front of a large American flag.
Holland Patent Elementary Develops Future Government Leaders

Holland Patent’s fourth graders showcased the foundations of active citizenship as they stepped into their roles of lawmakers during their Junior Congress simulation. On June 18, students demonstrated how a bill becomes a law.  

Eighty-eight students participated in drafting bills, debating ideas, and voting on proposals. Students were highly engaged as they explored topics such as creating after-school clubs, expanded lunch options, bringing stuffed animals to school on Fridays, flexible recess choices, and additional transition time between classes. Throughout the process, students built confidence, strengthened their communication skills, and practiced authentic leadership.

The project was supported by all specials teachers, whose contributions helped bring the experience to life. The art teacher designed photo badges for each student, while the physical education classes featured an activity that demonstrated how a bill moves through the legislative process. The music teacher provided presidential entrance music and microphones for the simulation. Together, these collaborative efforts brought the Junior Congress to life and created an authentic learning experience for every student. 

“Watching students step into the roles of lawmakers was inspiring,” said Library Media Specialist, Lisa Czarnocki. “They asked thoughtful questions, listened to one another, and truly understood that their ideas can make a difference.”

Principal Sarah Vergis praised the students’ efforts and the collaborative work of the staff, “Our fourth graders showed leadership, curiosity, and respect throughout this project. Experiences like this help students see themselves as future leaders in our community.” 

This project reflects Holland Patent’s commitment to developing civic minded, resilient critical thinkers and problem solvers. Through hands-on learning, students were encouraged to be informed, active citizens who can recognize the needs of their school community and work together to address them. 

To view the video of the Junior Congress, visit https://www.hpschools.org/schools/holland-patent-elementary/junior-congress-video.

 

 

Three young boys sit at a table in the foreground, two of them holding up green cards, while a woman stands in the background against a wood-paneled wall.
A woman with glasses interviews three children in front of an American flag.
A young girl with glasses reads from a paper into a microphone held by an adult woman, with an American flag and a computer screen in the background.
A woman and two girls stand in front of a large screen displaying a blue abstract design, with one girl holding a microphone.
Children in the foreground raise green cards while adults stand behind them against a wooden wall.
A young boy in the foreground holds up a green card with %22yes%22 written on it, while other children and an adult are visible in the blurred background.
A young girl in the foreground speaks to an adult woman, with an American flag and a large screen in the background.
A young boy reads from a paper in front of a large screen, while a girl stands beside him, both in a classroom with a bulletin board in the background.
A woman speaks into a microphone at a podium in front of an American flag, with children gathered around.
Children in the foreground raise red cards while a classroom with educational posters and numbers is visible in the background.
A woman stands at a podium in front of a group of children, with an American flag and a clock on the wall behind them.
A young boy in a coral shirt stands at a podium in front of a large American flag.
A young boy reads from a paper into a microphone, with a woman standing beside him, in front of a large screen displaying a blue abstract design.
A woman stands behind a podium with children in the foreground, while an American flag hangs on the wall in the background.
A young boy in a coral shirt and glasses holds a microphone while a woman in a blue shirt smiles and adjusts it in front of an American flag.