All-School News Articles

As part of the SSFS Middle School Civics unit, our 6th grade students recently wrote letters to their local representatives about a topic or concern that they wanted to share. Encouragingly, many of the students received positive responses to their letters, along with actions taken to address their concern or interest, showing that advocacy can result in positive action. See below for a few examples:
 

• Zoe P. wrote to representative Charlotte Crutchfield about the need for a speed bump in her neighborhood. Representative Crutchfield then called Zoe over the weekend and spoke to her about her letter! Zoe then received an email from Montgomery County Department of Transportation, letting her know that representative Crutchfield had reached out to them on behalf of Zoe. As the email states, “Sandy Spring Friends School is fortunate to be represented by you, a student who shares Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s (MCDOT) goals for traffic safety, including encouraging motorists to drive at safe speeds in neighborhoods and elsewhere.” The email goes on to respond to the particular incident that Zoe experienced in her neighborhood, and the specific steps needed to request installation of a speed bump.
   
• Cordelia F. wrote to their local reps about the need for more fire departments, because they want to become a firefighter in their community. Subsequently, their local fire department has reached out to Cordelia to invite them to take a personal tour!
   
• Elizabeth S. wrote to Delegate Eric Luedtke about her family’s experience battling invasive plants in the woods where she lives, and expressing her view that the sale of invasive plants should be limited. Delegate Luedtke wrote back promptly to thank Elizabeth for her letter and telling her, “You certainly have a good understanding of the issue and I commend you for translating your knowledge of the ecological impact of these plants into public policy advocacy.”  He told her about some proposed legislation “requiring that state agencies use native plant species whenever practicable” and thereby “influenc[ing] the market towards making native species available in nurseries by increasing their demand.” He concluded, “However, there will be more work to be done. On an issue like this that is confusing to many and has business impacts, the best route is often to make measured progress and build on successes. This is where we in the State House look to advocates like you to continue using your voice to make a difference. Since you are starting this advocacy young, you will be making major differences in no time.”