In the newly offered Civics class taught by Mr. Brandon Jacobs, students are learning about and are encouraged to discuss the importance of participating in the electoral process, no matter their political leanings.

Mr. Jacobs feels strongly about his students’ understanding of and involvement in voting: “I can’t express enough how important it is for our students and this generation to vote. Regardless of which side of the political spectrum you fall, voting is not just a right, but more importantly, an opportunity for your voice to be heard. Being civically active is a skill set that can carry students in today’s world and beyond. Taking time to vote now is making a choice to have impact on your future.”

Mr. Jacobs joined Shipley this fall as the new Director of Diversity and Inclusion and Student Activities Coordinator. Previously at The Hill School and Rider University where he worked closely with students in the classroom and advised a student-led Inclusion Council. He is a faculty member for the National SEED Project group, and multiple affinity groups. He will be working to create a more diverse community through recruitment and curriculum design.

Mr. Jacobs’ enthusiasm has benefitted not only the students in his class, but the greater community as well.

Mr. Jacobs was instrumental in leading his class in bringing a voter registration group to the school ensuring that the opportunity to register was accessible to everyone in the community - students, faculty, and parents alike.

The Civics class will also be visiting the Middle and Lower schools on Election Day to educate younger students on the process of voting and its importance.

This follows the debatestyle U.S. political assembly that was organized by members of the Civic Activism, Young Republicans, Young Democrats, and Debate clubs for October 29.

The U.S. assembly featured students representing local Democratic and Republican candidates. The students assumed the roles of local candidates and talked about their candidate’s stances on important issues, as well as answered questions from the audience.

Following the assembly there was be a mock-election where upwards of 250 students and colleagues cast their votes for the candidates represented.

By fostering an understanding and appreciation of politics in the community, Mr. Jacobs, his Civics class, and the political conversation generated within the community are preparing students to someday cast a vote of their own in a real election.