Last year, during the Presidential election, the teachers at Herbert Mills Elementary School wanted their kids to understand how the election process worked, so they had the second grade campaign and vote for a leader that could implement positive changes at the school. This year, to teach about local government, they ran a mayoral campaign where second graders were asked to fix recess problems. The winner of the campaign is Bryce, who used a magic trick during his campaign speech where he made recess problems "disappear."

 

Bryce takes his role as Mayor seriously, and has implemented different ideas to improve recess while ensuring his fellow students follow the rules, are safe and have fun. One of his ideas was to let kids move to different classes during indoor recess so they could play with their friends. He also implemented a Dance Party Room where kids can get their energy out when it's raining or they're inside due to weather.

 

Bryce meets with his Council, which is comprised of anyone who ran for Mayor but wasn't elected, so they're still included and can offer input and help make decisions, but it's Bryce who has the final say.

 

"So far, it seems to be working well," Bryce said. "Kids wanted to see a change in recess."

 

When he grows up, Bryce wants to be Mayor, or be part of City Council. We think that's something he can pull off, even without magic!