Creating Space for Civil Conversations – A Message from Head of School Julia de la Torre

The message below was sent to parents and guardians.

With the presidential election cycle already upon us, Moorestown Friends School is gearing up for the Mock Primary Election, a tradition dating back to 1960. Students today are more immersed than ever in local, national, and global issues that fill their newsfeeds and are a part of their daily lives. Politics in our country have become increasingly partisan, and for many of us, the election season can prompt certain levels of concern or tension. As an educator, I believe that these rare moments are also an opportunity for students to learn about key issues, engage in civil discourse with peers, and understand how their voices can be a force for good in the world. As a Quaker school, Moorestown Friends believes that all individuals have value and that all perspectives should be heard and respected. Through inquiry, reflection, and conversation, students are able to seek truth in community.

Teaching students the skills and dispositions that are core to civil discourse is central to our mission and daily work. In and out of classes, students have opportunities to research issues, test their views, hear divergent perspectives, and consider how their views may impact others. In weekly Meeting for Worship, silence can be a powerful tool for listening, processing information, and considering what to share in community. The lunch table, advisory, and the playing fields are all real-world opportunities for students to practice these skills. Civil discourse is not about walking on eggshells, but instead collectively creating brave spaces where students are comfortable exploring new ideas. All of us form opinions based on our own identities and personal histories. In school, we work with children to explore their own stories and share their views in a way that considers the impact on the identities and stories of others.

I am proud of how our teachers create trust in classrooms at MFS. Articulating norms for discussion and supporting students as they share and provide feedback to each other is one important way in which we guide students in the learning process. Even in the early years, children are taught to make space for the words of others and to respect difference. They also learn that words carry weight in the room and that although there is no space for hurting others, words can have the power to heal and bridge differences. 

The MFS Mock Primary Election (MPE) is taking place on January 14, 2020. As has been tradition, MPE focuses on the political party that is not currently in the White House, so this year’s election will focus on the Democratic candidates. Those students “running for office” have been tirelessly researching issues, working to understand different perspectives, and campaigning throughout the school. In addition to stump speeches and voting, MPE also includes a keynote speaker as well as breakout workshops for Middle and Upper school students. Topics this year include leadership, the origins of democracy, the Equal Rights Amendment, renewable energy, and speechwriting, to name a few. It’s a fun way for students to come together to learn about the political process and civic engagement. More details will be coming in January, as your children get excited for the big day.

Whether it’s an election cycle or not, we can’t always anticipate when difficult questions will emerge from world events. Children of all ages ask tough questions, and we want them to! This is a special time in the life of a child where they learn to articulate their views, respectfully challenge others, and provide critical feedback, and they need practice doing this every day. These are life skills and a wonderful opportunity to engage young people in conversations of courage and consequence. As parents and guardians, you are our partners in this work. I hope that the resources below provide you with ideas and support for helping your children navigate tough topics and divergent views. The more proactive we can all be in supporting civil discourse, the more our young people will cultivate the important Quaker values of empathy, kindness, and understanding.

How to Help Children Navigate Controversial Topics: A Guide for Parents and Teachers (American University School of Education)

Explaining the News to Our Kids (Common Sense Media)

Discussing Politics and Elections With Your Children (Verywell Family)

Photo Captions:

Left: 
2020 MPE candidates – Front: Kobe Koren ’20 (Julian Castro), Kayla Patel ’21 (Kamala Harris), Bailey Butterworth ’20 (Andrew Yang), Bobby Lodge ’21 (Pete Buttigieg); Middle: MPE Advisor and History Dept. Chair Clark Thomson, Shelby Deibler ’20 (Elizabeth Warren), Samantha Bastien ’20 (Amy Klobuchar), Aani Desai ’22 (Tulsi Gabbard); Top: Om Patil ’21 (Tom Steyer), Calvin Bell ’20 (Cory Booker), Aaron Clark ’20 (Joe Biden), and Aaron Klein ’20 (Bernie Sanders).

Right:
1960 MFS Mock Political Convention