By Danielle McNaughton
Local government came to life at Dutch Fork Elementary School Academy of Environmental Sciences as Town Councilman Mike Ward paid a special visit to three first-grade classes to share how town government works and why community participation matters.
During his interactive presentation, Ward introduced the students to key municipal services, explaining local parks, trash and recycling collection, and the Town Council’s primary duties. He also highlighted the essential role voting plays in shaping the local community.
To put those lessons into practice, Ward led the students in a mock Town Council exercise, asking the first graders how they would spend town money. Eager hands shot up as students shouted ideas ranging from new playground equipment to water attractions. Bringing the decision to a majority vote, the first graders overwhelmingly chose a splash pad to help beat the hot summer heat.
The hands-on activity offered the young citizens a practical, easy-to-understand look at how elected officials debate and vote on important issues during official council meetings.
The conversation then shifted to building a strong community, with Ward asking the students what it truly means to be a good neighbor. The energetic first graders offered a variety of thoughtful answers, suggesting that good neighbors host playdates, keep noise levels down, speak kindly and wave hello, and treat everyone with respect.
By combining practical civics with real-world examples, Ward’s visit inspired Dutch Fork Elementary’s youngest learners to see how kindness, respect, and active participation help a community thrive.
