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John Kennedy first-graders get lesson in Albany politics

By Howard B. Owens

Jessica Wassink's first-grade class at John Kennedy School got a visit from their assemblyman today.

Steve Hawley walked into the class at 2 p.m. and was eagerly greeted by the young students -- some of the boys even wore ties for the occasion.

They immediately began fielding their suggestions for legislation. Hawley talked some about what goes on in Albany and answered their questions, keeping everything in terms they could understand.

Jeremiah Pedro

So basically the lesson went something like this....

"Well children what is suppose to happen in Albany is similar to what is suppose to happen when you all go to recess. You all want to go and play and have fun. Well politicians all want to go to Albany and play and have a good time. Sometimes though you might get a group of kids on the playground that wont let just anyone play, you have to be apart of their group in order for the kids to play with you and have fun.
There are even sometimes when no one plays at all."

Oct 28, 2010, 5:57pm Permalink
Tara Pariso

I am disappoined to see that it was only one class that was visited. My children have both been taught about the upcoming elections and Mr. Hawley is a name that they both know and remember. It would have been great for my 1st grade daughter to get to meet him in person. Regardless of adult opinions on politics, teaching our youth the negative aspects will not bring about any positive change in the future. In order to make a difference and move forward to better our state, our future leaders should be taught basics and what they can do when they get older. Thank you Assemblyman Hawley for being a role model for our children.

Oct 28, 2010, 10:21pm Permalink

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