John was beyond excited when he bounded off the bus a week ago to tell me that his class had nominated him to run for student council. When he was nominated by his third grade class, his teacher told him he was “too bad” and pulled his nomination. He was completely devastated and, quite honestly, so were we because it just didn’t make any sense. I welled up with tears when he told me he would get another chance in fourth grade and that “Mrs. B is going to let me do it!” Of course she is, buddy. You’re an amazing kid! What a difference a year makes.
He set straight to work brainstorming ideas for his campaign. He was to turn in a poster, provide some sort of handmade giveaway (no food or candy), and give a 1-minute election speech. We pondered ideas together and he wanted nothing to do with the things I thought were cute :-) Instead, this is where he landed…
As far as his handmade promotional item, he made mustaches on sticks and wrote “Vote John” on the back. The whole thing was silly and catchy and entirely him.
He practiced his little speech every night for the week before and really gave it his all. He was very confident going in, but we let him know that all you can do in things like this is give 110% because the results are ultimately outside of his control. And, if he doesn’t win, at least he will be left with no doubt in his mind that he tried his hardest and there will be no regrets or “if only I had…” moments. In the end, he did not win the election. But he was so happy he had the opportunity to run and we were proud of him nonetheless.
As luck would have it, another type of school leadership role he had been trying out for was announced that very same day… Safety Patrols. Guess who came bounding off the bus again, proudly sporting his new neon badge and hat?
He promptly proceeded to practice putting Whit in a head lock after he had “violated” the rule of no jumping on the sofa. And when I noted Whit’s straight face on his daily report (for talking….again), John very seriously and in his best man voice said “Mom, what are WE going to do about this very bad behavior?” He’s taking this role quite seriously at home. LOL.
xoxo
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So excited to learn of John’s excellent start to the school year! I’ve never heard of a teacher telling a child he/she was “too bad” to be nominated for student council. Wow, glad that situation is just a memory. It sounds as though fourth grade will indeed be a terrific, successful, and memorable year. Congratulations to John on his nomination (he should have won) and his new position of power and prestige. Safety Patrol is far more important a position than is student council. The safety of the students is now in John’s hands. Hopefully, with some brainstorming, you and John can find a way to deal with little brother’s transgressions. I join Whit in being the chatty one in my family.
Congratulations, Patrolman John! You will be a wonderful help to your school. This is such an important position and an opportunity that only has a few years while student council will always be there for you to go after. Your campaign project was very clever and I believe you have many years of leadership ahead of you. Jane
SERIOUSLY!!??? Anyone who tells any child he or she is too bad is not fit to be near any child let alone in a position of authority. One more reason that ‘teacher’ – and I use that word with reluctance – should be removed from the classroom environment.
Congrats John!
Way to go John, it sounds like you would be an asset to any school and your school are very lucky to have such a helpful, amusing and conscientious young man. Poor Whit I think he could be reprimanded quite a bit over the next few weeks and I can see you giggling behind your hand quite a bit Amanda. Xx
John, your campaign was GREAT – the “mustache” angle is ingenious! Good for you for working hard! And I know you’ll be an excellent safety patrol!
Ultimately, John won because he learned the lesson of strength through adversity. He was nominated by his classmates, not by the teacher. If the students think enough of John to give him that chance she should keep her mouth shut and let democracy work instead of tainting the waters. I am always delighted to see how you handle these trying situations with such class. I am happy for John that he received a much more important leadership role.
Way to go, Safety Patrolman John! I think they made a great choice choosing you to join the safety patrol.
Congratulations!
Way to go! Love the campaign! =)
Congrats to John for being nominated. Such an honor! And the poster he came up with is precious!!!