Carlsbad history buffs know that every vote counts. In 1952, a tie vote prevented Oceanside's attempt to annex the small village to its south, setting the stage for an election in which Carlsbad voters approved the incorporation of their community as a City.
Today, our Carlsbad students continue the proud tradition of democracy, learning how important it is stay informed and involved.
Hands-on Democracy
In late October, Poinsettia Elementary students participated in "Every Kid Votes," curriculum provided by Studies Weekly.
They watched video content designed for their grade level, then voted for president in an exciting campus-wide session.
Over the past several elections, this national program has accurately predicted the popular vote.
This year was no different, with President Barack Obama defeating the Republican contender Mitt Romney 657,563 to 450,895 in the exercise's popular vote, or 483 to 55 in the electoral count.
A five-way debate
Two weeks before the election, Carlsbad High students, many of whom are or will soon be eligible to vote, attended a forum designed to educate them on the policies and views of five political parties.
Representatives from the Democratic, Republican, Green, Libertarian, and Peace and Freedom parties engaged in a lively discourse that provoked thought and insight into their party's platform.
After the event, senior Bryan Reina said, "I gained information on many topics. Hearing these people speak helped me understand their opinions and political stance."
Fellow senior Marshall Daines revealed that as a result of paying close attention to the debate, "A lot of my opinions changed."
Covering the Election
On election evening, for the fourth time, the Carlsbad High School TV (CHSTV) team joined local, regional and national broadcast journalists at San Diego's Golden Hall.
More than 30 CHSTV students worked feverishly to build the mobile set and handle all logistics necessary to produce the live broadcast.
Interknowlogy and Broadcast Design International helped underwrite the show.
CHSTV Advisor Doug Green reports, "We created hourly live reports and taped a 15-minute program distributed on Nov. 7, just hours after wrapping for the night at 1 am."
You can view it at https://vimeo.com/53051811.
To prepare for the event, students studied propositions, ballot measures and candidate positions. Reporter teams were assigned specific stories.
According to Green, election night coverage is the single-most challenging live broadcast for CHSTV students. "It's produced in a breaking news atmosphere working alongside professional adult media," Green noted.
While editing segments on the fly, junior Taylor Team called the process "organized chaos." Taylor reported, "Not only was the intensity exhilarating, it was a great bonding experience for us. This was my second time covering an election at Golden Hall. It's great preparation for the broadcast business that is my career choice."
A recipient of multiple broadcast awards, CHSTV election night coverage has won national student Emmy awards and propelled journalists to careers in the highly competitive profession. Among them is Ryan Haarer, who now works as a reporter for NBC in Phoenix.
A Winning Combination
Every election results in winners and losers.
By participating in the process, CUSD students understand that democracy is not a spectator sport. Instead, democracy is a way for every citizen to have a voice in the decisions that affect their life.
Direct and active participation in the decision-making of our government allows everyone in the nation to be a winner.
Today, our Carlsbad students continue the proud tradition of democracy, learning how important it is stay informed and involved.
Hands-on Democracy
In late October, Poinsettia Elementary students participated in "Every Kid Votes," curriculum provided by Studies Weekly.
They watched video content designed for their grade level, then voted for president in an exciting campus-wide session.
Over the past several elections, this national program has accurately predicted the popular vote.
This year was no different, with President Barack Obama defeating the Republican contender Mitt Romney 657,563 to 450,895 in the exercise's popular vote, or 483 to 55 in the electoral count.
A five-way debate
Two weeks before the election, Carlsbad High students, many of whom are or will soon be eligible to vote, attended a forum designed to educate them on the policies and views of five political parties.
Representatives from the Democratic, Republican, Green, Libertarian, and Peace and Freedom parties engaged in a lively discourse that provoked thought and insight into their party's platform.
After the event, senior Bryan Reina said, "I gained information on many topics. Hearing these people speak helped me understand their opinions and political stance."
Fellow senior Marshall Daines revealed that as a result of paying close attention to the debate, "A lot of my opinions changed."
Covering the Election
On election evening, for the fourth time, the Carlsbad High School TV (CHSTV) team joined local, regional and national broadcast journalists at San Diego's Golden Hall.
More than 30 CHSTV students worked feverishly to build the mobile set and handle all logistics necessary to produce the live broadcast.
Interknowlogy and Broadcast Design International helped underwrite the show.
CHSTV Advisor Doug Green reports, "We created hourly live reports and taped a 15-minute program distributed on Nov. 7, just hours after wrapping for the night at 1 am."
You can view it at https://vimeo.com/53051811.
To prepare for the event, students studied propositions, ballot measures and candidate positions. Reporter teams were assigned specific stories.
According to Green, election night coverage is the single-most challenging live broadcast for CHSTV students. "It's produced in a breaking news atmosphere working alongside professional adult media," Green noted.
While editing segments on the fly, junior Taylor Team called the process "organized chaos." Taylor reported, "Not only was the intensity exhilarating, it was a great bonding experience for us. This was my second time covering an election at Golden Hall. It's great preparation for the broadcast business that is my career choice."
A recipient of multiple broadcast awards, CHSTV election night coverage has won national student Emmy awards and propelled journalists to careers in the highly competitive profession. Among them is Ryan Haarer, who now works as a reporter for NBC in Phoenix.
A Winning Combination
Every election results in winners and losers.
By participating in the process, CUSD students understand that democracy is not a spectator sport. Instead, democracy is a way for every citizen to have a voice in the decisions that affect their life.
Direct and active participation in the decision-making of our government allows everyone in the nation to be a winner.